Objective: Perinatal morbidity and mortality increase significantly in newborns with low birth weight (LBW). Maternal total protein, albumin, hemoglobin (Hb), hematocrit (Hct), red blood cell (RBC), and electrolyte values may affect the birth weight of the baby.

Methods: This study included 363 pregnant women who consulted the Gynecology Department of Okmeydani Training and Research Hospital between July 2018 and December 2018 and gave birth between 37 and 42 gestational weeks. Newborns were divided into three groups: ≤2500 g, 2500-4000 g, and ≥4000 g. The relationship between birth weight and maternal Hb, Hct, RBC, total protein, albumin, and electrolytes values
taken just before birth was examined.

Results: No significant difference was found between the three groups in terms of gravida, parity, abortus numbers, gestational weeks and age of the patients, maternal blood total protein, albumin, Hb, Hct, calcium, sodium, potassium, and chloride values. RBC values were significantly lower in the ≤2500 g group (p=0.046), whereas maternal blood magnesium values were significantly higher (p=0.026). When the relationship between severe anemia and fetal weight was examined, LBW was significant in the group with Hb <7.4 (p=0.004).

Conclusion: Maternal RBC levels were low, but magnesium levels were high in pregnant women who gave to LBW infants, and the LBW rate was high in the group with severe anemia. However, possible physiological changes that occur during pregnancy should be considered.