'To weigh or not to weigh?' Socio-cultural practices affecting weighing at birth in Vidisha, India

An estimated 40% of the annual global 20 million low birth weight infants are born in India. In India UNICEF reports that 71% of newborns are not weighed at birth. Literature cites 'socio-cultural reluctance' in India which has not been explored. We explored the socio-cultural practices affecting weighing at birth in the community in Vidisha district, Central India. Focus group discussions were held with mothers of infants, health workers and traditional birth attendants. Qualitative content analysis was used. Weighing at birth was perceived unimportant and shrouded in superstition. Immediate post-partum activities were entwined in pollution confinement rituals, which delayed opportunities for early weighing, Possibilities to promote the practice of weighing at birth respecting local traditions are discussed as is the cultural reluctance to weigh neonates. This study has implications for the delivery of maternal and child health services, in this setting with a high infant mortality.