The effects of multivitamin use during pregnancy on birth weight

Objective: In Turkey, multivitamin supplements are prescribed to pregnant women from all socioeconomic levels. In our study, we aimed to determine the effects of multivitamin and antianemic use on birth weight. Methods: A total of 595 pregnant women who were fulfilling inclusion criteria among those who delivered term single baby were included in our study. Types and period of use of multivitamins and period of antianemic use within first 24 hours after delivery by puerperant women included in the study were investigated. The demographics, delivery and newborn information of patients were accessed through patient files. Results: In our study, the mean age of pregnant women was 26.9±5 and mean hematocrit value of all cases was 35.68±3.7. Mean periods of antianemic and multivitamin use were 16.45±10.5 and 14.18±10.8, respectively. Mean weight gained by cases during pregnancy was 12.9±5.3 kg and mean birth weight was 3400±440 g. There was a statistically significant difference between the mean birth weight (3435 g) of those who received multivitamin during pregnancy (n=326) and the mean birth weight (3358 g) of those who did not receive (n=266). Also, no statistically significant difference was found between the mean birth weight (3418 g) of those who received antianemics (n=461) and the mean birth weight (3338 g) of those who did not receive (n=131). Birth weight and period of multivitamin use, and the weight gained by mother during pregnancy and maternal BMI were associated with a positive correlation. No statistically significant correlation was found between birth weight and maternal hematocrit value before delivery and period of antianemic use. Conclusion: In our study, fetal birth weight in pregnant women who used multivitamin during pregnancy is 77 g higher. Although this difference is statistically significant, the correlation is poor. However, we found no relationship between antianemic use and birth weight.