DISCUSSION
This study documented that women at the reproductive ages of 18 years or less and 35 years
and over were more prone to deliver LBW babies. Mothers less than 18-years-old are prone to
have physical and emotional maturity issues which may contribute to their elevated incidence of
LBW infants. Their ignorance of how to take care of themselves during pregnancy works against
a healthy outcome. Accordingly, among mothers who are 35 years or older, there is a greater
tendency to develop prenatal complications and a higher probability of inadequate nutrition, thus
increasing their likelihood of delivering LBW babies.
The results of this study were in agreement with those of many similar studies.8-11) Belonging
to certain occupational groups during pregnancy could affect the risk of LBW and preterm birth.
The risk of delivering LBW babies was 5.0 times higher in women with hard physical jobs,