Effect of maternal dietary intake on the weight of the newborn in Aligarh city, India

Abstract

Background: This study aimed (1) To record the nutrient intake of the respondents and compare the same with the available recommended dietary allowances (RDA). (2) To assess the correlation between maternal dietary intake and the weight of newborn. Materials and Methods: Two hundred and ninety two pregnant women. Study Area: Five hospitals of Aligarh city, Uttar Pradesh. Study Tool and Data Collection: Interview schedule was administered to record information regarding dietary intake and weight of newborn. The data collection was initiated in April 2009 and was completed in March’ 2010. Data Analysis: Statistical analysis was done by using version SPSS 17. Frequency distributions were calculated for all variables. Univariate and multivariate analysis were performed to determine the influence of the dietary intake on the birth weight of newborn. Results: Results revealed that the nutrient intake in all trimesters of pregnancy was lower as compared to RDA. There were significant correlations between the nutrient intake of the mothers and the weight of newborn in all trimesters of pregnancy (P=0.01). Conclusion: It was found that the dietary intake during all trimesters of pregnancy were significantly associated with the birth weight.

Key words: Birth weight, dietary intake, pregnancy, recommended dietary allowance