Chetan Padia
Associate Professor, Department of Pediatrics, Dr. Ulhas Patil, Medical College & Hospital, Jalgaon Kh.
Abstract
Background: Maternal haemoglobin levels are critical in determining neonatal outcomes, impacting both haemoglobin levels and anthropometric measurements at birth. This study aims to investigate the correlation between maternal haemoglobin levels during pregnancy, cord blood haemoglobin, and the anthropometric measurements of neonates.Objective: To assess the relationship between maternal haemoglobin levels and the cord blood haemoglobin and anthropometric parameters of neonates.Material and Methods: This study was conducted in the Department of Pediatrics at a tertiary care hospital, involving 60 pregnant women admitted for delivery. Maternal haemoglobin was measured, and cord blood was collected immediately after delivery to determine the haemoglobin levels. Neonatal anthropometric measurements, including weight, length, and head circumference, were recorded.Results: Statistical analysis revealed a significant positive correlation between maternal haemoglobin levels and both cord blood haemoglobin (r = 0.72, p < 0.01) and neonatal weight (r = 0.65, p < 0.01). No significant correlation was found between maternal haemoglobin and neonatal length or head circumference.Conclusion: Higher maternal haemoglobin levels are associated with improved cord blood haemoglobin and neonatal weight. This emphasizes the importance of monitoring maternal haemoglobin to optimize neonatal health outcomes.Keywords: Maternal haemoglobin, Cord blood hemoglobin, Neonatal anthropometry, and Pregnancy outcomes