Factors Predicting Low Birth Weight Newborn in Pregnant Women Attending Teenage Pregnancy Clinic

Abstract

          Purpose: The present study was a retrospective study which aimed at investigating the predictive power of pre-pregnancy body mass index, gestational weight gain, gestational age at first prenatal care visit, anemia, second hand smoking, and continuity of care on low birth weight.
          Design: A Correlational predictive design by retrospective chart review was employed.
          Methods: The study sample consisted of 490 pregnant adolescents who sought prenatal care services at the teenage pregnancy clinic of Siriraj Hospital between May 2012 and June 2016. Of the total subjects, 60 were having low birth weight newborns (case) and 430 were having normal birth weight newborns (control). Data were collected by using: 1) the demographic questionnaire, 2) the obstetrics record form, and 3) the continuity of care evaluation form. Chi-square test and multiple logistics regression analysis were used to analyze data.
          Main findings: The study findings revealed that pregnant adolescents who had under weight gain (OR 7.82, 95%CI [4.03 - 15.16]) and sought prenatal care services at >12 weeks gestational age (OR 2.86, 95%CI [1.11 - 7.35]) were 7.82 times and 2.86 times more likely to have low birth weight newborns, respectively. On the other hand, pregnant adolescents who received continuity of care had lower risks to have low birth weight newborns (OR .32, 95%CI [.17 - .61]).
          Conclusion and recommendations: Based on such findings, it is recommended that a continuity of care system by nurse midwives should be implemented in prenatal care services for pregnant adolescents. Nurse midwives should also assess and follow up gestational weight gain through out pregnancy, and closely monitor risks in pregnant adolescents who first seek prenatal care services at >12 weeks of gestational age.