PREDICTION OF BIRTH WEIGHT: PREDICTIVE VALUE OF THREE MATERNAL INDICES
Abstract
Introduction. According to report of 1996, the most common cause of neonatal mortality in our country were low birth weight, immaturity and trauma during delivery period. Estimation of fetus weight during delivery is not easy in primary care by first line of health care provider. We try to introduce three scale (maternal fundal height, arm circumference and body mass index) as an easy tools for prediction of neonatal weight.
Methods. In a cross sectional study, 1110 pregnant women, their husbands and their neonates were selected by random sampling. Data were collected in question sheet, observation and physical examination.
Findings. Neonatal weight before delivery had significant correlation with maternal fundal height, arm circumference and body mass index (P < 0.001). Predictive value fundal height was better than other two indices.
Conclusion. Fundal height can be used as a good estimator for neonatal weight in primary health care centers. Suspicious mothers must be referred for complete investigation.
Methods. In a cross sectional study, 1110 pregnant women, their husbands and their neonates were selected by random sampling. Data were collected in question sheet, observation and physical examination.
Findings. Neonatal weight before delivery had significant correlation with maternal fundal height, arm circumference and body mass index (P < 0.001). Predictive value fundal height was better than other two indices.
Conclusion. Fundal height can be used as a good estimator for neonatal weight in primary health care centers. Suspicious mothers must be referred for complete investigation.
Keywords
Neonatal Birth Weight, Fundal Height, Arm Circumference, Body Mass Index