Average birth weight of term newborn babies: a hospital based study in Thimphu, Bhutan

Abstract

Introduction: The birth weight of every new born is a key predictor of its immediate outcome and indirect indicator for later development. There were no studies done in Bhutan to look at the average term birth weight. This study was under taken to estimate the average term birth weight of new born in Jigme Dorji Wangchuck National Referral Hospital in Thimphu and to study its correlation with maternal factors and sex of the new born.

Methods: This was a retrospective study with data collected from the birthing center record for those delivered between January 2011 to December 2014. A total of 13,647 singleton babies were included. Other variables studied maternal age, parity, education level, family income, antenatal booking visits, sex of baby and maternal ethnic origins. Data were analysed for correlations.

Results: From the 13,647 singleton cases, the overall average term birth weight for new born was 3,177± 435 g with boys (mean weight 3,228± 435g) being heavier than girls (mean weight 3,121 ± 429 g). This study also proved the expectation that birth weight will improve with improvements in economic situation and female literacy level. The term birth weight was positively correlated with parity, number of antenatal visits, family income, maternal education level and age.

Conclusions: The average term birth weight of new born in JDWNRH is 3,177± 435 g. The mean birth of North Bhutanese (mean as 3,260 ± 436g) is heavier by 200g than the South Bhutanese (mean as 3,060 ± 411 g).