Abstract

Background: Maternal anthropometric and hematological parameters are important determinants of fetal growth and neonatal anthropometric outcomes. Identification of simple maternal predictors may help in early detection of pregnancies at risk for adverse neonatal outcomes, particularly in resource-limited settings. Objectives: To evaluate the correlation between maternal anthropometric parameters and neonatal anthropometric measurements, and to assess the association between maternal hemoglobin levels and neonatal birth weight. Materials and Methods: This prospective longitudinal observational study was conducted at Sagar Hospitals from April 2019 to March 2020 among 150 pregnant women aged 18–35 years delivering singleton live neonates between 37–40 weeks of gestation. Maternal weight, height, body mass index (BMI), gestational weight gain, and hemoglobin levels were recorded. Neonatal anthropometric measurements including birth weight, crown–heel length, head circumference, chest circumference, and mid-arm circumference were measured within 24 hours of birth. Statistical analysis was performed using appropriate tests, with p<0.05 considered significant. Results: The mean maternal age was 28.03 years. Mild anemia was observed in 11.33% subjects, while 88.67% had normal hemoglobin levels. Mean neonatal birth weight was 2.70±0.28 kg. Low birth weight incidence was significantly higher among mildly anemic mothers compared to non-anemic mothers (29.41% vs 6.78%). Maternal anemia was significantly associated with lower neonatal birth weight, length, head circumference, chest circumference, and mid-arm circumference. Maternal BMI showed a significant positive correlation with neonatal birth weight (r=0.23, p=0.005). Maternal weight >50 kg and gestational weight gain >11 kg were associated with significantly higher neonatal birth weight, whereas maternal height showed no significant association with neonatal anthropometric measurements. Conclusion: Maternal hemoglobin status, BMI, maternal weight, and gestational weight gain significantly influence neonatal anthropometric outcomes, particularly birth weight. Routine maternal anthropometric assessment and hemoglobin estimation during antenatal care may serve as simple and cost-effective tools for identifying pregnancies at risk for adverse neonatal outcomes.

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