Birthweight distribution in the Mantsonyane area: Lesotho

A total of 832 maternal and newborn records in a rural hospital in Lesotho were analysed. The mean birthweight was 3.07 kg and the incidence of low birthweight rate 7.5%. This was compared with other countries in Africa. Increasing birth order was associated with higher birthweight irrespective of maternal age, except for the very young mothers. No seasonal variation in birthweight was observed. Of 313 newborns the gestational age was assessed. The overall anthropometric measurements of newborns in the Mantsonyane area were comparable to better off industrialized countries.