OBJECTIVES: to analyze the influence of obstetric, social, economic and nutrition factors on newborn weight in a maternity hospital of Teresina. METHODS: a descriptive study focusing 277 pregnant women during labor and their newborns aimed at women aged between 20 and 34 years old, prenatal care initiated between the 10th and 16th week of pregnancy, pregnancy length >37 weeks, non-smoking, disease free, one fetus, alive and with no congenital malformation, medical files dully completed. Statistical analysis was performed by the chi-square and t Sudent tests. RESULTS: a population of young low income mothers receiving eight or more years of education was focused. The average weekly increase of maternal weight was 389.3 ± 140.3 g, with total weight gain of 12.0 ± 4.6 kg. In relation to newborns' weight, 73.6% weighed 3000 to 3999 g. Statistical association between newborn weight and maternal height was determined (p = 0.001), as well as with the total weight gain during pregnancy (p = 0.013). CONCLUSIONS: adequate weight gain and prenatal care during pregnancy are relevant to assure a good neonatal prognosis.
Weight gain; Nutritional status; Birth weight
