Anemia as a risk factor for low birth weight in term pregnancies: A case-control study

Abstract

Background: Low birth weight (LBW) is a public health issue since it causes several baby health issues. Anemia, a hemoglobin deficiency, is a common pregnancy problem. This case-control study will compare the birth weight of anemic mothers&#39; babies to those of normal-hemoglobin mothers. Objective: This case-control study explores the potential association between anemia in pregnant women and the likelihood of delivering a low birth weight baby. Methods: CMH Saidpur, Nilphamari, Bangladesh, investigated the relationship between anemia and birth weight of baby in full-term mothers. From January 2022 to January 2023, 275 eligible volunteers participated in the study. Group A comprised women with anemia (hemoglobin < 10 g/dl) and Group B included individuals with normal hemoglobin levels. Result: Group A: 40% over 32, 36.47% 18-24, 23.53% 25-31. Group B is much older, with 42.85% 25-31, 30.48% 18-24, and 26.67% over 32 (P-value = 0.0121). Most of group A (57.65%) had a BMI below 18.5, 29.41% between 18.5 and 25, and 12.94% above 25. In group B, 46.67% had a BMI between 18.5 and 25, 30.47% below 18, and 22.86% above 25. Groups A and B had different BMI distributions. Antenatal visit distribution differs considerably between groups (p