A study of the effect of maternal anaemia on low birth weight at tertiary care center

Abstract

Introduction: Anaemia is the major risk factor for LBW and adverse perinatal outcome. The aim of this study was to examine how anaemia in expectant mothers influences the incidence of low birth weight in new-borns. Methods: This retrospective study was carried out in the department of obstetrics and gynaecology of Smt. SMS hospital and Dr. M. K. Shah Medical college Chandkheda, Ahmedabad. Total 675 cases were included from march 2022 to March 2024 and included all the patients fulfilling the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Results: Mothers without anaemia had the lowest incidence of LBW, with only 20.45% of their new-borns affected, whereas newborn of mothers with severe anaemia was born with low birth weight. So This data indicates a correlation between the severity of maternal anaemia and the occurrence of low birth weight in new-borns. As maternal anaemia becomes more severe, the percentage of low birth weight (LBW) infants rises. Conclusion: The study suggests that maternal anaemia, particularly in its more severe forms, is associated with a higher risk of adverse neonatal outcomes, including low birth weight and increased NICU admissions. The occurrence of anaemia in pregnant mothers is a key risk factor for delivering babies with low birth weight. The findings underscore the importance of addressing maternal anaemia to improve neonatal health outcomes.