Study of Some Determinants of Birth weight in Qazvin

Birth weight is related to many factors and specific medical conditions that have been existed or developed in during pregnancy. The aim of this study was to investigate and evaluate some determinants of birth weight in Qazvin.

In this cross- sectional descriptive-analytic study in 2010، 3076 women with the normal vaginal delivery (NVD) entered into the study. The univariate and multivariate predictors for birth weight were analyzed using General Linear Model (GLM).

Average neonatal birth weight was 3248. 18 ± 458. 36 gr and maternal age was 25. 33 ± 5. 70 years. The prevalence rate of low birth weight and macrosomia were 6. 67% (205 newborns) and 3. 15% (97 newborns)، respectively. Univariate predictors for heavier birth weights are multi-parity، male neonates، term & post term neonates، neonates of non-preeclampsia mothers and mothers above 18 years old. Upon multivariate، most of the univariate predictors remain except mother’s age lost its influence on birth weight; Season of Birth became statistically significant with spring (P= 0. 01) and winter (P= 0. 01) having bigger babies compared to summer period.

Some of determinants of birth weight are non- modifiable and interventions on them are not possible، but by adjusting some factors such as selection of the appropriate age for pregnancy، it is possible to have optimal birth weight.