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Birthweights in Iceland 70 years apart
Acta Paediatrica Scandinavica. Supplement
|January 1, 1985
Summary
Mean birthweight increased by 85g, and low birthweight prevalence decreased from 5.6% to 3.3% between 1901-1910 and 1972-1981. Increased maternal height likely explains this trend, not improved intrauterine conditions.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Public Health
- Human Growth and Development
Background:
- Historical birthweight data provides insights into population health trends.
- Understanding changes in birthweight is crucial for assessing infant health and developmental outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare birthweights and low birthweight prevalence between two distinct historical periods.
- To investigate potential factors contributing to observed changes in birthweight over time.
Main Methods:
- Comparative analysis of birthweight data from two cohorts: 1901-1910 (n=389) and 1972-1981 (n=6,303).
- Statistical comparison of mean birthweight and prevalence of low birthweight between the two periods.
Main Results:
- A mean increase in birthweight of 85g was observed between the two study periods.
- The prevalence of low birthweight significantly decreased from 5.6% in 1901-1910 to 3.3% in 1972-1981.
- The observed increase in birthweight is unlikely to be an artifact of weighing methods.
Conclusions:
- There has been a secular increase in mean birthweight and a decrease in low birthweight prevalence over the 20th century.
- Increased maternal height is suggested as a primary contributor to the rise in birthweight.
- Improvements in the intrauterine environment are considered less likely to be the main driver of this change.