Low birth weight: some considerations in a Zambian population

Abstract

A retrospective analysis of 2401 consecutive births revealed a lowbirth weight rate of 11.4 percent of all births and 14.2 percent all live borns. Sixty-five percent of late fetal and first week neonatal deaths were low birthweight babies. The cause of low birthweight labour was unknown in 48.2 percent of cases. The major known associations with low birthweight labour and delivery were twin birth, antepartum haemorrhage, premature rupture of the membranes and toxaemia of pregnancy. Nutritional factors were considered to be of significance in the incidence of low birthweight. The earlier attendance of mothers at ante-natal clinics and the availability of experienced medical and nursing personnel with adequate facilities are necessary for perinatal mortality to be significantly reduced in the low birthweight group.