A Retrospective Cross-Sectional Analysis of the Effects of Peripheral Maternal Systolic and Diastolic Blood Pressure on Birth Weight

Abstract

BACKGROUND Birth weight (BW), is influenced by maternal, fetal and environmental factors of unclear proportionate distribution. We explored associations between peripheral maternal systolic and diastolic blood pressure, (SBP and DBP) and low birth weight (LBW), crucial for enhancing prenatal care and addressing LBW's public health impact. METHODOLOGY A retrospective audit analyzed health institutional data for 2545 singleton births preceding the study, assessing the impact of maternal SBP and DBP on BW using two-way ANOVA. RESULTS Maternal ages ranged from 14-47 years, averaging 27.2 years (±7.0). Mean SBP and DBP were 119.6 mmHg (±17.5) and 75.8 mmHg (±12.4). Around 76.8% had SBP <130 mmHg, 11.7% at 130-139 mmHg, and 11.5% at ≥140 mmHg. For DBP, 62.3% had <80 mmHg, 22.3% had 80-89 mmHg, and 12.8% had ≥90 mmHg. Maternal peripheral SBP <130 mmHg and DBP <80 mmHg correlated with fewer LBW births. Conversely, BW decreased with increased maternal peripheral SBP and DBP of ≥130 mmHg and ≥80 mmHg, ranging from 0.42 to 5.8 kg, mean 3.00 kg (±0.4). This inverse relationship persisted, indicating that BW increased as SBP and DBP decreased. CONCLUSION The highlighted inverse link stresses the need for prenatal monitoring. Routine fetal growth and maternal BP assessments are crucial for proactive care, reducing the risk of LBW. Relying on limited birth register data for pre-birth BPs may have accuracy limitations. Recommended for further research is monthly or weekly real-time fetal growth and maternal BP monitoring, based on the findings and context.