TO DETERMINE ASSOCIATION BETWEEN LBW / IUGR / PRE-MATURITY IN NEONATES AND MATERNAL HEALTH IN A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL, KARACHI

Background: Low birth weight (LBW), intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), and prematurity are major contributors to neonatal morbidity and mortality and are strongly influenced by maternal health. Objective: To determine the association between maternal health indicators and adverse neonatal outcomes (LBW, IUGR/SGA, prematurity) in a tertiary hospital in Karachi. Methods: Prospective observational study of consecutive mother–infant dyads using a standardized proforma. Maternal variables included hemoglobin, BMI, antenatal care (ANC) visits, booking status, and complications (PIH, DM/GDM). Neonatal outcomes included gestational age (GA), birth weight, and growth status (AGA/SGA/IUGR). Data were summarized as mean±SD or n (%). Exploratory associations were evaluated with crude odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) from 2×2 tables. Results: N = 26 dyads. Mean GA 32.84 ± 1.73 weeks; mean birth weight 1792.2 ± 500.3 g. Preterm (<37 weeks) 22/26 (84.6%); LBW (<2500 g) 21/24 (87.5%); IUGR/SGA 15/26 (57.7%). Maternal anemia (<10 g/dL) 7/24 (29.2%); ANC ≥ 4 visits 11/16 (68.8%); booked 17, unbooked 5. Exploratory associations (imprecise due to small denominators): unbooked status showed higher odds of LBW (OR 2.33; 95% CI 0.10–52.65); anemia appeared inversely related to LBW (OR 0.20; 0.02–1.88) given near-universal LBW; PIH vs IUGR OR 0.45 (0.07–2.82). Conclusion: In this tertiary NICU, LBW and prematurity were highly prevalent. Maternal factors—ANC use, booking status, and complications—clustered with adverse neonatal outcomes. Strengthening ANC coverage and maternal anemia/PIH/DM screening and management may mitigate risk. Larger, fully captured datasets are needed for adjusted analyses.