Maternal risk factors associated with low birth weight in Karachi: a case-control study

To evaluate maternal risk factors associated with low birth weight [LBW] among women aged 15-35 years, we carried out a hospital-based, case-control study on 262 cases [mothers of neonates weighing 2.5 kg]. Odds of delivering a low-birth-weight baby decreased with increase in maternal haemoglobin [odds ratio [OR]: 0.701; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.62-0.79]. Odds were greater among mothers not using iron supplements during pregnancy [OR: 2.88; 95% CI: 1.83-4.54]. Mothers of LBW babies had lower haemoglobin levels before delivery