Anthropometric indicators of the newborn according to the type of delivery in the Gynecological-obstetric Hospital Ecuador

Abstract

Introduction: Caesarean section arose in order to reduce maternal mortality, however, its unnecessary excessive use is a risk factor for such mortality and can affect the anthropometric indicators of the newborn.

Objectives: Identify the difference between the anthropometric indicators of the newborn according to type of delivery at the Gineco-Obstetric Hospital, Ecuador.

Methods: Cross-sectional study, access was obtained by collecting and reviewing data from the medical records of 725 births at the Gineco Obstetric Hospital of Guayaquil. Information was collected as general data on mothers and newborns, type of delivery; anthropometric data such as weight (g), length (cm), head circumference (cm), chest circumference (cm) and abdominal perimeter (cm). The Mann-Whitney U statistical test was used to determine if there is a difference in anthropometric indicators according to type of delivery.

Results: Newborns born naturally had greater weight (p=0.001), length (p=0.001), thoracic (p=0.005) and abdominal (p=0.01) than those born by cesarean section. However, the head circumference of children born by cesarean section was greater than that of children born by normal birth (p=0.038). Males presented better anthropometric measurements than females (p<0.05) except in the abdominal perimeter where there was no significant difference (p=0.239).

Conclusion: There is a difference between anthropometric parameters according to type of birth, with those born by natural birth presenting better anthropometry than those born by cesarean section except for head circumference.