The suitability of the ratio, birth weight of maternal weight as an indicator of an infant at risk, has been investigated. The ratio correlates significantly with weight gain during pregnancy and the socio-economic ststus of the mother. The ration is a more adequate indicator of a neonate at risk than birth weight alone. It is suggested that a birth weight of less than 5.5perc. of the weight of the mother during the first trimester be used by a birth-attendant as an indicator for referral to a more qualified person, when the mother is of low body weight and of poor nutritional status
