Association of maternal anthropometry, hemoglobin and serum zinc concentration during pregnancy with birth weight. (March 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Alemu, Birtukan; Gashu, Dawd
• Is Part Of: Early human development. Volume 142(2020)
• Publication Date: 2020-03
• Subjects: Birth weight -- Hemoglobin -- Zinc -- Pregnant women -- Anemia -- Ethiopia; Fetus -- Periodicals; Neonatology -- Periodicals; Prenatal influences -- Periodicals; 612.65
• DOI: 10.1016/j.earlhumdev.2019.104949
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0378-3782

Abstract

Abstract: Low birthweight (LBW) infants in general are at greater risk of early mortality. Evidence also suggests increased risk of lifelong adverse health and social consequences of LBW. Several bio-psychosocial variables influence birth weight; identifying significant influencers is important to develop effective interventions. Pregnant women ( n = 341), in the first eight weeks of pregnancy, visiting antenatal care units in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia were recruited and followed until delivery. Socio-demographic and economic condition, parity, household food security, dietary intake, iron-folic acid supplementation, and maternal anthropometric measurement were captured. In addition, hemoglobin and serum zinc concentration were determined. Furthermore, birth weight was recorded. During the first trimester, 10.9% participants were underweight, 19.4% were overweight, and 3.5% were obese. Low serum zinc was found in 36.7% of women. In addition, 18.4% of women were anemic. Two-third of women had less than the minimum adequate dietary diversity. Of the newborns ( n = 329), 13.4% were underweight. Maternal mid upper arm circumference (MUAC), body mass index (BMI), serum zinc and hemoglobin concentration, and amount of money spent on food were positively correlated with birth weight (p < 0.05).The odds of LBW were greater among women with low hemoglobin concentration [AOR 4.8, 95% CI 1.7–13.4, p = 0.002] or MUAC <23 cm [AOR 3.4, 95% CI 1.2–11.0, p = 0.03] in the first trimester, and those not taking iron-folic acid supplement during the second trimester [AOR 0.2, 95% CI 0.02–0.4, p < 0.001]. Various maternal and household factors were associated with the odds of LBW, and intervention studies are required to determine causality. Highlights: Underweight was present in 10.9% pregnant women. In addition, 36.7% had zinc deficiency and 18.4% were anemic. Being thin, anemic, or lack of iron-folic acid supplementation during pregnancy had greater risk of LBW child delivery. Findings suggest the need for improved nutrition and micronutrient intervention during pregnancy to reduce delivery of LBW.