Factors Affecting Birth Weight of a Newborn: Community-Based Original Study

Abstract

Introduction: Birth weight is one of the most important indicators of neonatal health, reflecting not only the nutritional status of the fetus but also the effectiveness of prenatal care, maternal health, and environmental factors. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), a low birth weight (LBW) infant weighs less than 2500 grams at birth, which increases the risk for infant mortality, infections, and long-term developmental delays

Objective: This study investigates the factors affecting birth weight of newborns in a community setting to better understand the influences of maternal and environmental factors on neonatal birth weight.

Methods: A cross-sectional community-based study was conducted over six months, collecting data from 500 pregnant women in the local health center. Information was gathered through structured interviews and medical records. The birth weight of the newborns was documented along with maternal age, nutrition, smoking, alcohol consumption, and presence of any chronic conditions.

Results: The study found that maternal age, nutrition, smoking habits, and the presence of chronic conditions like hypertension and diabetes were significantly associated with the birth weight of the newborn. Infants born to mothers who smoked during pregnancy had a lower mean birth weight compared to those whose mothers did not smoke. Additionally, the nutritional status of the mother had a direct impact on fetal growth.

Conclusion: The study highlights the importance of maternal health and lifestyle choices in determining the birth weight of a newborn. Interventions aimed at improving maternal nutrition, reducing smoking, and managing chronic conditions can improve neonatal outcomes.

Keywords: Birth weight, maternal health, smoking, maternal nutrition, community-based study, prenatal care.