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Size at birth of infants in a Saudi maternity hospital
F Serenius1, A W Edressee, A R Swailem
1Department of Pediatrics, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Insights
Saudi infant birth size measurements reveal favorable outcomes compared to developing nations. Birth weight distribution appears less affected by socioeconomic factors in Riyadh.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Neonatal Health
- Public Health
Background:
- Birth size is a key indicator of infant health and development.
- Understanding birth anthropometrics in specific populations is crucial for targeted health interventions.
- Previous data on Saudi infant birth size and its influencing factors are limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the anthropometric measurements (weight, length, head circumference) of Saudi infants at birth.
- To determine the prevalence of preterm birth, low birth weight, and small for gestational age in this population.
- To compare fetal growth rates and birth weight distributions with international standards.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study conducted at a major maternity hospital in Riyadh.
- Collection of anthropometric data (weight, length, head circumference) for Saudi singletons.
- Analysis of preterm birth rates, low birth weight prevalence, and small for gestational age incidence.
Main Results:
- Mean birth weight was 3226g, length 49.5cm, and head circumference 34.5cm.
- 5.9% of infants were born preterm, and 7.9% had low birth weight.
- Teenage mothers and primipara showed higher rates of low birth weight infants.
Conclusions:
- Saudi infant birth anthropometrics are generally favorable, especially compared to other developing countries.
- Fetal growth rates in late gestation align with Western populations.
- Birth weight distribution seems less influenced by socioeconomic and environmental factors in this Saudi cohort.
Abstract:
The size at birth was assessed of Saudi infants who were delivered in the main Maternity hospital in Riyadh and who represented a large proportion of infants born in the city. The mean (SD) weight, length and head circumference at birth of Saudi singletons were 3226 (534) g, 49.5 (2.0) cm and 34.5 (1.5) cm, respectively. Of all infants 5.9 percent were born preterm. The proportion of low birthweight infants was 7.9 percent, of which 44 percent were born at or past term. Teenage mothers had a low birthweight rate of 15.2 percent and primipara of 13.9 percent, however. Of all singletons 2.2 percent were small for gestational age and 3.7 percent of term infants had a Ponderal index less than 3rd percentile of the standard. During the final weeks of gestation the fetal growth rate was similar to that of Western populations. Compared with other developing countries the birth weight distribution was favorable and seemed to be influenced to a smaller extent than in these countries by socioeconomic and environmental factors.