Study on the determinants of pregnancy outcome

Objectives: Adequate nutrient intake during pregnancy is important to fetal and maternal health. The purpose of this study was to investigate the factors affecting pregnancy outcome and to provide basic data to promote more favorable pregnancy outcomes. Material and methods: Data were collected from 100 pregnant women at two hospitals in Hail region of Saudi Arabia. Demographic characteristics, anthropometric measurements and health related habits were obtained using a questionnaire at the hospital visit soon after the delivery. Data on pregnancy outcomes, including birth weights and gestational ages, were obtained from hospital records. Birth weights were divided into three groups, a low birth weight group (birth weight <2.5 kg), a normal birth weight group (2.5 - 3.9 kg) and a high birth weight group (?4 kg). Results: The Socioeconomic status was significantly with the birth weight (p<0.05), with high birth weight group babies belonging to high income group and low birth weight babies from lower income groups only. Weight and BMI of the mothers before pregnancy, total weight gain during pregnancy and hemoglobin levels were found to be significantly correlated with the birth weight.(p<0.05). Few health related habits and risk factors were significantly different among the three groups. Birth weight or sex of the baby was not significantly affected by gestational age. Conclusion: Birth weight remained an important factor affecting the neonatal infant and childhood mortality and morbidity. Low birth weight babies are more likely to have disabilities in four of developmental delay, poor growth and mental disabilities. For reducing the prevalence of low birth weight, public health strategy needs to focus attention on better maternal nutrition and education.