A Study of Anthropometric Parameters as Determinants of Birth Weight in Newborns

Birth weight and combination of different anthropometric measurements have been suggested as yardstick in evaluation of the newborns. Any data of these measurements of newborns at one place may not be applicable to other regions due to different food habits, socio-economic and environmental factors. Therefore in the present study, an aempt has been made to find out the co-relation of anthropometric measurements with birth weight.

On this background, the study is carried out with the objectives, 1. To find out the relationship between birth weight and other anthropometric measurements in newborns and 2. To determine whether any other anthropometric measurements can be used as a substitute for Birth Weight in identifying LBW.

Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, S.C.B. Medical College, Cuack, Orissa.

January 2007–June 2008.

Cross-sectional.

200 live born babies delivered in the labor room (within 48hrs).

During 1&1/2 years study period a total of 200 live born babies were studied which comprised of 104(52%) males and 96(48%) females. The mean birth weight of males is 2679.32 ± 353.25gms and females are 2601.56 ± 347.35gms respectively. It has been found that incidence of babies weighing less than 2500gms was 32.68% and 43.74% respectively for male and female. The average mean crown heel length is 46.86 ± 2.08cms, crown rump length is 31.2 ± 2.00cms, skull circumference is 32.57± 2.05cms, chest circumference is 30.32 ± 1.83cms, abdominal circumference is 27.24 ± 2.07cms, mid arm circumference is 8.83 ± 0.71cms.

The data obtained is tabulated, statistically analyzed and a positive correlation is found between them. The highest correlation of birth weight is found with Chest Circumference (r=0.93). Measurement of Chest Circumference (a simple, easy, cheap and reliable method) can be utilized to screen out high risk group (LBW) newborns in the community.