The relationship between third trimester maternal weight gain, hematologic status and infant birthweight in Liberian mothers

In 1982, WHO estimated that 20 million infants had low birthweights (LBW) (i.e., <2500 g or 5.5 lb). Most were born in developing countries. Yet for Africa, few studies have examined the relationship between maternal nutrition and birth outcomes. Over 540 hospital records were examined to 1) estimate the proportion of LBW infants. Between 23 and 80 women were studied prospectively to: 2) examine the effects of maternal health complaints on pregnancy outcomes, 3) examine the relationship between weight gain during the 3rd trimester and pregnancy outcome, and 4) determine a weight gain associated with a favorable birthweight range for this sample of women. Results show a positive relationship between birthweight and 6th month maternal Hb values. A 3rd trimester gain of 6.62 kg (14.6 lb) is correlated with a favorable pregnancy outcome. Education was positively associated with 6th month pregnancy weights. Public health workers should concentrate both on iron deficiency anemia and weight gain during the last trimester to increase the chances for successful pregnancy outcomes.

Key words:

• Maternal nutrition
• pregnancy
• low birthweight
• Africa
• Liberia
• anemia and pregnancy