Vol. 4, Issue 8 (2015)

Author(s):
Samta Gaur, Sushma K Kataria, Leena Raichandani, Ritu Agarwal

Abstract:
Background: Advanced maternal age deserves special attention. Epidemiological studies suggest that there is a change in developing countries to delay the age of first pregnancy but maternal age above 35years for first pregnancies is associated with reduced intrauterine fetal growth
Aims & Objectives: The aim of present study to find out the effects of maternal age on Anthropometric measurements of newborn in western Rajasthan, India.
Methods: The Study carried was carried out on 1019 mothers and their newborn at Ummed Hospital, Dr. Sampurnanand Medical College Jodhpur, Rajasthan. Maternal age was divided into three groups that were Group I included mothers of age below 20 years, in Group II age of mother was ranging between 20 to 30 years and in III Group age was above 30 years. Anthropometric measurements of newborn included the weight, length, head, mid arm, chest, thigh, calf circumferences and skin fold thickness of neonates.
Conclusion: In this study it was found that 23.45% of mothers were below 20 years (teenage pregnancy) and LBW rate was high and mean birth weight was low. Best age for conception is 20 to 30 years of age. So by discouraging teenage pregnancies, proper spacing (2y), and LBW rate can be reduced.