This study explores the relationship between birth weight, gestational age and the health of the infant. Low birth weight, defined as birth weight less than 2500 grams, is an indicator of increased risk of neonatal death and developmental delay. Fetal weight curves are important to identify the effects of pathologic pregnancies on fetal size, to aid in the evaluation of diagnostic measurements of fetal growth and to identify pregnancies with potentially compromised outcomes. The existing fetal growth references no longer provide an up-to-date description of the distribution of birth weight by gestational age. Data from 1992-1996 NYS birth record files were used to derive up-to-date and accurate gender and race specific fetal weight curves for NYS. A total of 1,309,181 singleton, live births with birth weight between 500 and 5,999 grams and with reported gestational ages between 24 and 42 weeks were selected for analysis. Since birth weight differs by race/ethnicity and gender, for each combination of gender, race (White, Black non-Hispanic, Hispanic, Asian and others) and gestational age, birth weight distributions were derived. Immediate neonatal outcomes (e.g. Apgar scores, need for assisted ventilation) were analyzed to determine a threshold birth weight below which the infant is at risk for poor health outcomes. Preterm infants born low birth weight and full term infants whose birth weights are below the 10th percentile for their gestational age, race/ethnicity and gender have an increased risk for adverse outcomes.
Learning Objectives: Describe the development of the infant during the pregnancy, define fetal weight curves and small-for-gestational age, use fetal weight curves as reference in future research and practice. Discuss birth weight diferences across race/ethnicity and gender
Keywords: Birth Outcomes,
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: New York State Vital Statistics Files
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: I am an employee of NYSDOH/DON.