Question

Maternal height of less than ______________ cm is a risk factor for low birth weight and mortality among infants

• A. 150
• B. 155
• C. 160
• D. 145

Hint:

Height reflects "past" nutrition, while weight reflects "current" nutrition. 145 cm is the universal "Short Stature" warning sign in obstetric care.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Step 1: Understanding the Question:
This question addresses the anthropometric indicators of maternal risk during pregnancy, specifically the height below which a mother is considered at risk for adverse birth outcomes.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:

• Maternal height is an indicator of the mother's own long-term nutritional status and the physical size of her pelvis (the birth canal).

• Scientific studies and public health guidelines (like those from WHO) establish that a height of less than 145 cm is a significant risk factor.

• Short stature is often associated with a small pelvis, which can lead to Cephalo-Pelvic Disproportion (CPD), increasing the risk of obstructed labor and the need for a C-section.

• Furthermore, mothers under 145 cm are statistically more likely to give birth to Low Birth Weight (LBW) infants ($<$ 2.5 kg), who in turn have higher neonatal mortality rates.

• In clinical practice, measuring maternal height at the first prenatal visit is a crucial screening tool for high-risk pregnancies.

Step 3: Final Answer: The cutoff height for identifying risk is 145 cm.