A hospital-based birth weight analysis using computerized perinatal data base for a Chinese population

Abstract

Objectives. We aimed to construct birth weight-for-gestational age nomograms based on a computerized perinatal data base in a hospital-based Chinese population.

Methods. Retrospectively collected 28,052 singleton deliveries at Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou, China. Standard curves of birth weight from 27 to 43 week's gestation were computed. The nomograms included the 5th, 10th, 25th, 50th, 75th, 90th, and 95th percentiles and standard deviations.

Results. 79.9% pregnant women delivered between 38, 39, and 40 gestational week, and the mean birth weights are 3160, 3282, and 3388 g, respectively. Preterm birth is 5.7%. In general, male birth weights are greater than females at each gestational week. The hospital-based Chinese population birth weight is lower than that of North American and Scandinavian population.

Conclusions. A different standard birth weight is needed for different population. A hospital-based birth weight curve by gestational week is established, which can be a useful tool to estimate intrauterine fetal growth to define SGA or LGA fetuses.

Keywords:

• Birth weight
• growth standard
• intrauterine growth restriction
• obstetrics
• small for gestational age

Declaration of interest: The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.