The relative contribution of birth weight and gestational age to physical traits of newborn infants

The present study establishes anthropometric standards for newborn infants, born between 26-41 weeks of gestational age. The measurement of 10 standard anthropometric traits was made within the first 72 hours of life in 224 preterm (26-36 weeks) and 190 term (37-41 weeks) infants. Multiple regression analysis was carried out for each of these anthropometric traits (dependent variables) on gestational age, birth weight and sex (independent variables). It was found that the prediction of several traits, namely, body length, body mass index, body surface area, interocular diameter, ear length and palm length, can be done solely via the information on birth weight, cephalic index is better predicted on the basis of gestational age, while for the prediction of such cranial traits as the circumference, length and breadth of head, both birth weight and gestational age are desirable.