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The time interval between one pregnancy and the next is a modifiable risk factor, and has an effect on pregnancy outcomes. This study compared the effects of short interpregnancy interval (IPI) on fetal birthweight and selected pregnancy outcomes amongst parturients in Enugu, Nigeria. Group A (Subjects) consisted of parturients with short IPI (IPI < 18 months), while group B (Controls) consisted of parturients with normal IPI (IPI ≥ 18 months). Relevant obstetric data were collected at delivery. Mean birthweight was 2664.13 ± 339.25g vs 3670.63 ± 452.69g in women with short IPI and normal IPI respectively (p <.0001). Women with short IPI were more likely to have low birthweight babies compared to those with normal IPI (OR = 7.331, p <.001). Maternal anaemia, preeclampsia and caesarean delivery were significantly more associated with short IPI. Women with short IPI are at greater risk of delivering newborn babies with significantly lower mean birthweight and other associated pregnancy complications than women with normal IPI. What is already known on this subject? Short interpregnancy interval has an adverse effect on pregnancy outcomes as shown in studies from Europe and the Americas. What do the results of this study add? This study adds to the body of evidence of the deleterious effects of inadequately spaced pregnancies and draws attention to this in West Africa, sub-Saharan Africa, and an area with low contribution to studies on the effect of short IPI on pregnancy outcomes. What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? With evidence from our own environment, it will further boost evidence for proper education of our mothers on the need for adequate birth spacing to avoid the adverse effects of a short IPI on the next pregnancy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Low birth weight (LBW) is one of the major determinants of perinatal survival, infant morbidity, and mortality, as well as the risk of developmental disabilities and illnesses in future lives. Though studies were conducted to assess the magnitude and associated factors of low birth weight, most of the studies were at a single center and little information on the regional level. Hence, this study assessed the prevalence and associated factors of low birth weight in Sub-Saharan countries. Method: This study was based on secondary data sources from 35 Sub-Saharan countries' Demography and Health Survey (DHS). For this study, we used the Kids Record (KR file) data set. In the KR file, all under-five children who were born in the last five years preceding the survey in the selected enumeration area who had birth weight data were included for the study. To identify determinants of low birth weight multivariable mixed-effect logistic regression model fitted. Adjusted Odds Ratios (AOR) with a 95% Confidence Interval (CI) and p-value ≤0.05 in the multivariable model were used to declare significant factors associated with low birth weight at birth. Result: The pooled prevalence of newborn babies' low birth weight measured at birth in Sub-Saharan Africa was 9.76% with (95% CI: 9.63% to 9.89%). Female child, women not participated in healthcare decision making, and wider birth intervals, divorced/ separated women, and twin pregnancies associated with increased occurrences of low birth weight, while some level of woman and husband education, antenatal care visits, older maternal age, and multiparity associated with reduced occurrence low birth weight. Conclusion: This study revealed that the magnitude of low birth weight was high in sub-Saharan Africa countries. Therefore, the finding suggests that more emphasis is important for women with a lack of support, multiples, and healthcare decision-making problems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]