“MATERNAL DETERMINANTS AND BIRTH WEIGHT OUTCOMES IN A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL OF NORTHERN MAHARASHTRA: A RETROSPECTIVE OBSERVATIONAL STUDY”
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Keywords
Birth weight; Caesarean section; Gestational age; Low birth weight; Maternal factors; Neonatal outcomes; Tertiary care hospital
Abstract
Background: Low birth weight (LBW) remains a major public health challenge in developing countries and is a leading contributor to neonatal morbidity and mortality. Maternal nutritional status, socio-demographic profile, and obstetric factors play a critical role in determining fetal growth and birth outcomes. Understanding these determinants in resource-limited settings is essential for improving maternal and neonatal health outcomes.
Objectives: To assess the association between maternal socio-demographic, obstetric, and nutritional factors and the birth weight of neonates delivered at a tertiary care center in Northern Maharashtra.
Methods: A retrospective observational study was conducted using delivery records of women who delivered at a tertiary health care institute in Northern Maharashtra between January 2021 and July 2021. A total of 523 mother–neonate pairs fulfilling inclusion criteria were analyzed. Data regarding maternal age, gravidity, gestational age, mode of delivery, and neonatal birth weight were collected from hospital records. Descriptive statistical analysis was performed to evaluate the relationship between maternal factors and neonatal birth weight.
Results: Out of 524 deliveries, 523 (99.8%) were live births with an average birth weight of 2.53 kg. Caesarean section accounted for 51.7% of deliveries. Birth weight increased progressively with gestational age, with extremely low birth weight observed in deliveries before 28 weeks of gestation. Higher rates of caesarean delivery were noted among low birth weight neonates. Maternal age between 21–30 years and term gestation were associated with higher average birth weights. The incidence of stillbirth was low (0.2%), reflecting effective high-risk obstetric care.
Conclusion: Maternal and obstetric factors, particularly gestational age and mode of delivery, significantly influence neonatal birth weight. Although the study population largely represented socio-economically disadvantaged groups, appropriate tertiary care and neonatal support contributed to favorable outcomes. Strengthening antenatal care and maternal nutrition can further reduce the burden of low birth weight.
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Dr Kishor Manohar Mhaske
MBBS MS OBS – GYNAE, Assistant professor, Department Obstetrics and Gynecology, SMBT Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Centre, Dhamangoan. Nashik
Dr. Meetali Sudheer Nehate
MBBS DGO DNB OBS-GYN, Assistant Professor, Department Obstetrics and Gynecology, SMBT Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Centre, Dhamangoan. Nashik
Dr. Kalyani Avinash Muley
MBBS DGO DNB, Assistant Professor, Department Obstetrics and Gynecology, SMBT Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Centre, Dhamangoan. Nashik,
Dr. Kunal Hitendra Aher
MBBS MS OBGY, Associate professor, Department Obstetrics and Gynecology
SMBT Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Centre, Dhamangoan. Nashik
Dr Saudamini Amit Naik
Professor, Department Obstetrics and Gynecology, SMBT Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Centre, Dhamangoan. Nashik
Dr Amit S Naik
Professor, Department Obstetrics and Gynecology, SMBT Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Centre, Dhamangoan. Nashik
