J Korean Med Sci.  2016 Mar;31(3):353-359. 10.3346/jkms.2016.31.3.353.

Association between Short Maternal Height and Low Birth Weight: a Hospital-based Study in Japan

• Inoue S
• Naruse H
• Yorifuji T
• Kato T
• Murakoshi
• Doi H
• Subramanian SV

• KMID: 2363494
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3346/jkms.2016.31.3.353

Abstract

Anthropometry measurements, such as height and weight, have recently been used to predict poorer birth outcomes. However, the relationship between maternal height and birth outcomes remains unclear. We examined the effect of shorter maternal height on low birth weight (LBW) among 17,150 pairs of Japanese mothers and newborns. Data for this analysis were collected from newborns who were delivered at a large hospital in Japan. Maternal height was the exposure variable, and LBW and admission to the neonatal intensive care unit were the outcome variables. Logistic regression models were used to estimate the associations. The shortest maternal height quartile (131.0-151.9 cm) was related to LBW (OR 1.91 [95% CI 1.64, 2.22]). The groups with the second (152.0-157.9 cm) and the third shortest maternal height quartiles (158.0-160.9 cm) were also related to LBW. A P trend with one quartile change also showed a significant relationship. The relationship between maternal height and NICU admission disappeared when the statistical model was adjusted for LBW. A newborn's small size was one factor in the relationship between shorter maternal height and NICU admission. In developed countries, shorter mothers provide a useful prenatal target to anticipate and plan for LBW newborns and NICU admission.

Keyword

Maternal Height; Low Birth Weight; Neonatal Intensive Care Unit

MeSH Terms

Adult
*Body Height
Body Mass Index
Female
Hospitals
Humans
*Infant, Low Birth Weight
Infant, Newborn
Intensive Care Units, Neonatal
Japan
Logistic Models
Male
Mothers/*statistics & numerical data
Odds Ratio
Risk Factors
Weight Gain

Figure

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  Fig. 1 All newborns delivered at Seirei Hamamatsu General Hospital during the period of 1997-2010.

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