The more weeks of pregnancy, the heavier the maternal weight. This study also examined the correlation between maternal weight during pregnancy and maternal height, parity, maternal age, haemoglobin, and blood pressure. These findings support the idea that maternal height and weight during pregnancy have effects on the birth weight of the infants. On the basis of our findings a mother's health card was designed to provide pregnant women with information about their nutritional status and whether they are at risk during pregnancy. On the mother's health card health personnel enter the name of the community health centre, the name of the pregnant woman, and her address, age, formal education, husband's name and job, the first day of her last menstruation, and approximate date of delivery.
Information concerning the woman's previous obstetric performance is entered in a tabular form.
The woman's weight and height are then measured by the health personnel. The health personnel record such observations as foetal position, foetal heart rate, maternal blood pressure, oedema, immunization status against tetanus, iron supplementation during pregnancy, and haemoglobin concentration. Information concerning risk factors is also solicited. The health personnel will complete the data whether the woman is at risk or adequately healthy. The weight is plotted on the graph against the weeks of pregnancy.