Anthropometrical measurements in Iranian neonates

Abstract

To obtain standard norms for Iranian neonates, weight, length, head circumference and chest circumference are measured in 13,988 (8208 males and 6780 females) successively born, clinically normal neonates in a maternity unit in Tehran during the first 24 hours after birth. The statistical examination showed following results (Methods): Weight: Males 3215.83±547.83 grams. Females 3114.31±510.40 grams. Length: Males 51.16±2.65 cm. Females 50.46±2.49 cm. Head circumference: Males 34.57±1.65 cm. Females 33.98±1.59 cm. Chest circumference: Males 32.79±2.18 cm. Females 32.55±2.07 cm. These figures compared with the American norms show that Iranian neonates are somewhat lighter in weight (Boys -5%, girls -7%), but in respect to length, head circumference and chest circumference show no significant differences.