Objective To evaluate the maternal risk factors associated with low birth weight.

Material and Methods A case control study was carried out on 307 cases (mothers of neonate weighing <2500 g) and 307 controls (mothers of neonate weighing ≥2500 g) in District Hospital Wardha. Information was obtained by maternal interview, from medical records and by anthropometric measurement of mother and infants.

Data entry and Analysis The data entry and analysis was done in Epi-Info 6.04. OR was calculated to find out the association of various factors under study with low birth weight.

Results Among various determinants of low birth weight studied, the determinants which were found associated with high odds of LBW were - maternal age <20 years or >30 years, maternal weight <40 kg, gestational weight gain of less than 6 kg, BMI<18.5 kg/m² and MUAC <23 cm, previous history of giving birth to LBW babies, maternal anaemia.

Conclusion Significant determinants of LBW were maternal age <20 years or >30 years, maternal weight <40 kg, gestational weight gain of less than 6 kg, BMI<18.5 kg/m² and MUAC <23 cm, previous history of giving birth to LBW babies, maternal anaemia.