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Abstract

Introduction: This study aims to investigate the maternal and neonatal outcomes in fetuses with a weight below the first centile.

Materials and Methods: This retrospective epidemiological study examined 62 mothers with fetuses weighing below the first centile who participated in Imam Khomeini Hospital in Ahvaz, Iran, between March 2020 and February 2021. Data related to maternal and neonatal demographic variables, pregnancy outcomes, and neonatal complications were collected and analyzed from the patient's medical records.

Results: In this study most participants were primiparous (61.28%). The observed prenatal complications included hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (22.58%), gestational diabetes (17.74%), placental abruption (11.29%), anemia (8.06%), oligohydramnios (19.35%), fetal anomalies (4.84%), and stillbirth (4.84%). Abnormal Doppler findings were observed in 42.85% of mothers, and preterm birth was observed in 72.58%. Neonatal outcomes included respiratory distress syndrome (42.37%), hypoglycemia (37.29%), hypothermia (32.20%), hyperbilirubinemia (30.51%), meconium aspiration syndrome (28.81%), hypocalcemia (27.12%), polycythemia (25.42%), thrombocytopenia (11.86%), anemia (8.47%), sepsis (6.78%), fetal anomalies (8.47%), and neonatal death (11.86%). An Apgar score of ≤7 at 5 minutes after birth was observed in 13.56% of neonates, and the neonatal admission rate to the NICU was 84.75%.

Conclusions: The results of this study revealed that fetuses with birth weights below the first centile could result in multiple perinatal complications. Therefore, monitoring and prenatal care are essential to reduce IUGR and perinatal complications in these neonates. Timely recognition of the status of very low birth weight fetuses and screening for associated complications and interventions can help prevent the occurrence of neonatal complications‎.