Impact of prenatal depression, anxiety and stress on low birth weight: a retrospective case-control study in Karachi, Pakistan.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

Maternal psychological distress is common in Pakistan, yet it remains underaddressed in antenatal care. This study aimed to examine whether prenatal depression, anxiety and stress are associated with low birth weight (LBW) and whether perceived social support mitigates risk among mothers delivering at two tertiary care hospitals in Karachi, Pakistan.

Methods

This was a retrospective case-control study conducted at Dr Ruth K.M. Pfau Civil Hospital and Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre. Mothers were enrolled within 48 hours of singleton live birth. Cases were mothers of infants <2500 g (n=196); controls were mothers of infants ≥2500 g (n=196). A precoded structured questionnaire was used to gather information on maternal sociodemographic factors, obstetric factor

SUBMITTER: Nazir F 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12699676 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature