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The relationship between Maternal HCT levels, birth weight and risk of low birth weight
Ramazanali, F; Dastjerdi, M Vahid; Beigi, A & Moini, A
Abstract
Background: Almost 7.7 percent of all newborns weigh less than 2500 g in different countries. One of the most important reasons that lead to low birth weight, is maternal anemia during pregnancy. On the other hand, if maternal hemoglobin is too high, the prenatal outcome is not good. In this research we studied the relationship between maternal hematocrit (Hct) and birth weight, as well as the risk of low birth weight (LBW).
Methods: This is a cohort study on all pregnant women who used to come to Arash hospital to receive prenatal care (April 2003 - March 2004) and they also delivered there. Findings: If pregnant women have abnormal (higher or lower than normal) Hct level in the first or third trimester, the mean birth weight will be lower and the risk of LBW higher. Maternal Hct level, maternal height, maternal weight and gestational age at delivery have relation to the risk of LBW. Conclusions: It seems that an unfavorable level of maternal Hct is associated with a decrease in newborn's weight and LBW. So, special attention to the level of maternal Hct during pregnancy and control of it can decrease LBW incidence.
Keywords
Hemoglobin , Hematocrit , pregnancy , birth weight , Low birth weight
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