Size at Birth in Iceland

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Abstract
Anthropometric standards for weight, length and head circumference of Icelandic infants at birth are presented. The material concerning weight and crown-heel length consisted of 43 364 newborns, the total number of infants born in 1972-1981. The standards for head circumference were based on 28 978 infants born in 1975-1981. Multiple births and stillbirths were excluded from the material, leaving single livebirths with an estimated length of gestation of 28-44 weeks. No further exclusions were made. The material was compared with previous standards used in Iceland as well as with other studies of all single livebirths in geographically defined populations. Standards for crown-heel length and head circumference were compared with other studies based on more limited and selective materials. The differences between these studies emphasize the need for an international agreement on the methodology for measurement and recording of infant growth during the perinatal period.