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Birthweight by Gestational Age and Sex at a Rural Referral Center

Journal of Perinatology volume 24, pages 236–240 (2004)Cite this article

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: Determine the distribution of birthweights in singleton births by gestational age and gender at Marquette General Hospital, a rural referral center in Michigan's upper peninsula.

STUDY DESIGN: Birth log data were examined for prenatal factors and obstetrical outcomes. The birthweight distribution was compared to published values, and a linear regression model of prenatal factors was developed.

RESULTS: Our median birthweights were significantly greater than published values. Males were 128 g heavier than female infants after adjusting for gestational age. In a multivariable linear regression model, birthweight was significantly associated with gestational age, sex of the infant, maternal age, primigravida status of mother, and maternal diabetes (all p<0.01). Using published standards resulted in an overdiagnosis of large for gestational age and an underdiagnosis of small for gestational age.

CONCLUSION: Local birthweight distributions can differ significantly from historical or national distributions. The development of birthweight distributions accommodating for prenatal factors is needed.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Family Medicine, Michigan State College of Human Medicine Marquette, MI, USA

    Michelle R Storms MD, FAAFP

  2. Department of Pediatrics, Michigan State College of Human Medicine Marquette, MI, USA

    Robert S Van Howe MD, MS, FAAP

Authors
  1. Michelle R Storms MD, FAAFP
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  2. Robert S Van Howe MD, MS, FAAP
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Portions of this study were presented as a requirement for a faculty development program at the University of Wisconsin Medical School.

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Storms, M., Van Howe, R. Birthweight by Gestational Age and Sex at a Rural Referral Center. J Perinatol 24, 236–240 (2004). https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.jp.7211065

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