ABSTRACT
Having newborns of low birth weight [LBW] is one of the most common and controversial problems facing pediatricians. The aim of this study was to evaluate the risk factors involved in and the outcomes of the LBW newborns among primiparae women admitted to Valieasr Hospital in Zanjan. This is a retrospective study on the patients' files in the delivery section of Valie Asr Hospital in Zanjan [2003-2004]. The necessary information was recorded by filling out the questionnaires. A total of 3229 primiparae pregnant women were assessed, 291 of whom had delivered LBW newborns. Statistical analysis was carried out using Pearson's Chi square Method. 10% [n=29 1] of the total deliveries in the study [n=3229] were found to be of LBW. 21% of the mothers giving birth to LBW newborns were younger than 20 years old [P<0.00l] and 26% of them were older than 35 years old. The rate of LB W was more common among preterm newborns [P<0.00l]. Also the mothers with a history of previous abortion [P<0.00l], placenta abruption [P<0.001] and placenta previa [P<0.001] were more likely to have newborns with LBW. Mothers younger than 18 years old, preterm newborns and mothers having a history of previous abortion are among the risk factors for having LBW newborns. Therefore, educating young women about pregnancy and promoting obstetric cares, especially in cases of high risk pregnancy may be useful to decrease the risk level of having LBW newborns