RESUMO
To assess the relation between the lowest haemoglobin [Hb] level in pregnancy with birth weight [B. Wt.] and the rates of low birth weight [LBW] and preterm delivery. 100 indwelling low-risk pregnant women clients of the outpatient antenatal clinic at Al-Azhar University Hospital, Damietta. A prospective study was conducted on the year 2002 between January and July. The haemoglobin measurement was the lowest one recorded during pregnancy. Birth weights were recorded and the rates of LBW [<2500 g] and the preterm delivery rate [<37 completed weeks] were the main outcome measures. The maximum mean B. Wt. was achieved with a lowest Hb concentration [Hb%] in pregnancy of 85-95 g/1; the lowest incidence of LBW and preterm labour occurred with a lowest Hb of 96-105 g/1. The magnitude of the fall in Hb% in pregnancy, physiological haemodilution, is related to B. Wt.; failure of the haemoglobin concentration to fall below 106 g/1 indicates an increased risk of LBW and preterm delivery