A Longitudinal Study of the Growth and Development of Prematurely and Maturely Born Children: Part II. Physical Development

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Abstract
Premature and maturely born children (600) were studied during their first 2 years of life. During this period, mean weights are related to mean birth weight. In height, there is a significant excess height increment in those smallest at birth. Growth rates for both height and weight are affected by environmental factors. Prematures raised in favorable environments have almost caught up with maturely born infants by 2 years of age. Genetic factors appear to influence growth rates as significantly as does environment.