Related Experiment Videos
Birthweight by gestational age in Norway
R Skjaerven1, H K Gjessing, L S Bakketeig
1Section for Medical Statistics, and the Medical Birth Registry of Norway, Locus of Registry-based Epidemiology, University of Bergen.
Acta Obstetricia Et Gynecologica Scandinavica
|June 17, 2000
Summary
New birthweight standards for Norway (1987-1998) are presented, showing higher birthweights in Scandinavian populations. Secular trends reveal increased birthweight for term infants but decreased birthweight for preterm infants, necessitating updated small for gestational age standards.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Pediatrics
- Public Health
Background:
- Accurate birthweight standards are crucial for assessing fetal growth and identifying small for gestational age (SGA) infants.
- Previous birthweight standards may not reflect current populations due to secular trends and changes in obstetric practices.
- Scandinavian populations exhibit distinct birthweight characteristics, requiring region-specific standards.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish current birthweight by gestational age standards for singleton births in Norway (1987-1998).
- To evaluate secular trends in birthweight by gestational age from 1967 to 1998.
- To provide updated reference data for identifying small for gestational age (SGA) infants.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of over 1.8 million singleton births in Norway (1967-1998).
- Estimation of birthweight percentiles using smoothed means and standard deviations, with rigorous screening for consistency.
- Evaluation of differences in birthweight for stillbirths and livebirths, and the impact of cesarean sections on preterm birthweight.
Main Results:
- A clear increase in birthweight by gestational age was observed for term infants over the study period.
- A decrease in birthweight by gestational age was noted for most preterm infants.
- Secular changes in birthweight were linked to increased cesarean section rates, particularly affecting preterm infants.
Conclusions:
- New birthweight by gestational age percentiles (20-44 weeks) are provided for clinical use, excluding stillbirths, malformations, and cesarean sections.
- Existing birthweight standards from other populations may not be representative for Scandinavian populations.
- The study highlights the need for revised birthweight standards due to secular changes and evolving obstetric practices, especially for preterm infants.