Publication:

Study of factors affecting low birth weight of newborn in Uttar Pradesh, India

Background Low birth weight is defined as weight at birth is less than 2.5 kg. Low birth weight infants are at a greater risk of having a disability and survival and respiratory problems. To reduce the incidence of low birth weight babies we studied the maternal factors which affect the baby in utero and cause preterm or low birth weight babies.

Methods Eighty-two pregnant ladies aged between 16-30 years were studied who regularly visiting to obstetrics and gynecology department of G. S. medical college hospital, Peeplabandpur, Pilkahuwa, Uttar Pradesh, India were selected for study.

Results In this study, it was seen that mothers who were illiterate, belonging to lower socioeconomic status, multiparous and pregnancy associated with PIH, Anaemia and Oligohydramnios had high incidence of low birth weight babies.

Conclusions This pragmatic approach study of LBW will be quite helpful to obstetrics and gynecologist, pediatrician, physician to treat such patients actively to prevent morbidity and mortality of low birth newborn which is a great threat and challenge to the medical fraternity globally.