Evaluating Maternal Social Support in Low Birth Weight Neonates Comparing With Normal Neonates in 2012

Background: Pregnancy as a stressful event may cause some consequences for both mothers and infants such as low birth weight (LBW). LBW is seen in about 7% of pregnancies in Iran. It was proved there was a correlation between infants’ weight and maternal social support. This study was designed to evaluate the maternal perceived social support in LBW infants and infants with normal weight. Materials and Methods: This was a case-Control study which was done in Isfahan, Iran, during April-November 2012 on 188 participants in 2 groups. In case group we had evaluated mothers with low birth weight infants and control group were mothers with normal infants. Farsi version of Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS-P) was used for social support evaluation.Results: In LBW group mean family support subscale score was 14.87±4.33, mean friends support subscale score was 9.65±5.89 and significant, the other support subscale mean score was 15.18±5.11. In normal weight group mean family support subscale score was 18.46±3.98, mean friends support subscale score was 15.4±6.41 and significant others’ support subscale mean score was 18.46±4.1.Conclusion: Maternal perceived prenatal social support could be a predictor for infants’ birth weight. Supportive family could help pregnant women to reduce adverse pregnancy outcomes such as low birth weight.