Anthropometric measurements of live-born Kenyan infants between gestational ages of 28-42 weeks delivered at Kenyatta national hospital, Nairobi, Kenya.

Abstract

Anthropometric measurements - weight, crown-heel length, head circumference, and chest circumference of 249 live-born babies between 28 and 42 weeks of gestation were taken and growth charts plotted.

The grm'lth pattern of the Kenyan infant was found to be similar to those reported by other workers, there being a slow weight gain between 28 and 34 weeks followed by an increased intrauterine growth velocity from ~4 to 38~kS, and a decline thereafter. The growth in length and head circumference being relatively uniform, though the rate slows down from 38 weeks to term. The growth in chest circumference shows a growth spurt between 34 to 38 weeks and ~ -

declines,'

thereafter. The mean values when compared with

values for caucasian infants for the same measurements, were found to be lower for all the age groups. Similar findings were obtained when comparisons were made with data for African infants from other African Countries, except Tanzania.

Aetiological factors to explain this retardation of

intra-uterine growth remains at this stage largely speculative. High altitude, socio-economic status of the mothers, and environmental factors could have p1ayed a role but further studies are needed to confirm the role of each.