Size at birth from 37 - 41 weeks gestation: ethnic standards for British infants of both sexes

Abstract

Birth size standards are presented for neonates of 37-41 weeks gestation born in South London and Sussex, England. Separate standards are provided for males and females in the three main ethnic groups (North European whites, blacks and Asians from the Indian subcontinent) for the following measurements: weight crown-heel, crown-rump and rump-heel length, forearm, upper arm and lower leg length, head circumference, mid-upper arm and maximum calf circumference, triceps, biceps, subscapular and peri-umbilical skinfold thickness, and upper arm fat and 'lean' areas. The results are discussed in relation to other available standards.