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Abstract

Low birth weight (LBW) is strongly associated with child growth and survival.Having a low birth weight (LBW) results in smaller size at birth, an increased risk ofmortality and morbidity. Occurrence of low birth weight (LBW), is a major public healthchallenge due to its association with neonatal, infant and under-five mortality and morbidity.The incidence of babies born with LBW is regarded as a sensitive indicator of a country'shealth and development. Anthropometry has been used to assess the quality and quantity ofgrowth and well-being in the fetus and newborn. The study conducted in the Department ofPediatrics at atertiary care Medical College and Hospital, Chennai between JAN 2020 toJAN 2021 fulfilling the inclusion and exclusion criteria. 200 study participants were enrolled in this study. Among the study population, baby’s gender such as male and female was nearlyequal. The mean birth weight of the baby was 2.25±0.19 kg. The mean abdominal circumference was 28.65±3.18 cm and chest circumference was 31.18±2.24 cm. Also, thefoot length of the baby was 6.67±0.53cm, head circumference was 31.38±1.80 cm observed in this study (Fig.2). Besides, the mean values of length, mid-arm circumference, mid-calfcircumference, and mid-thigh circumference was 47.21±2.48 cm, 8.19±1.01 cm, 9.66±0.68cm, and 12.56±1.16 cm respectively. The above mentioned anthropometric indicatorssignificantly correlate with newborn birth weight. The best correlation is calf and chest circumference.