Maternal hemoglobin concentration in relation to neonatal birth weight

Background: The birth weight of an infant is the most important determinant of its chance of survival health growth and development. The prevalence of low birth weight (LBW) is higher in Asia than elsewhere. Low birth weight is a major determinant of mortality, morbidity and disability in infancy and childhood and has a long term impact on health outcomes in adult life. Objective: The purpose of this study was to assess the relationship between maternal hemoglobin concentration with neonatal birth weight. Material and methods: The maternal Hb concentration and birth weight parameters were obtain randomly in 100 women delivered from the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Central Referral Hospital, Tadong 5th mile Sikkim. Out of 100 cases, 35 cases were maternal Hb (<10 gm%), 35 were maternal Hb (10-13 gm%) and 30 were maternal Hb (>13 gm%) and all the maternal age ranging from 20-45 years. All data analysis was done using SPSS V 16 statistical software. The data were presented mean ± SD, and statistical analysis was carried out using student-T test. Results: Analysis of the data shows that anemia (Hb< 10 g/dl) was associated with a significantly increase risk of low birth weight (< 2500 g) and even same for high maternal hemoglobin (> 13 g/dl). The minimum incidence of low birth weight occurs in association with maternal hemoglobin concentration of 10-13 g/dl. Conclusion: Maternal Hb concentration of 10-13gm% should be regarded as optimal for fetal growth and well-being associated with the lowest risk of low birth weight.