CHANGES OF FULL-TERM BABIES BIRTH WEIGHT AND HEIGHT OVER A TWO – DECADE PERIOD

Abstract

Objective. To analyze birthweights and heights of single births by gestational age and to compare their changes over the 20 years. Methods. A retrospective study was carried out in the Hospital of Lithuanian University of Health Sciences Kauno klinikos in the period of 03/01/2018-12/31/2019. Percentile ranks by gestational age, birth weights and heights of singleton full-term newborns were the study group. Data compared with the control group (standart physical maturity tables of singleton Lithuanian newborns published by Mečėjus G. in 2004). Results. A total of 250 neonatal data were examined. We did not obtain a statistically significant difference between the mean birth weights and heights of both genders. In the study group, weight gain was observed in the 3rd and 5th percentiles of both genders, as well as in the female 10th percentile at 37–39 weeks of gestation, and in men at 37 weeks of gestation. The 90th percentile weight was lower in female neonates at 40–41 weeks of gestation and in male neonates at 39–40 weeks of gestation. Conclusions. Changes in weights and heights in neonates of both sexes are insignificant but may be significant enough to diagnose fetal growth retardation and fetal macrosomy. To compile new weight and height percentile tables for Lithuanian newborns, newborns from all over Lithuania should be studied.