Authors:
- Kristina Luketić – University of Rijeka, Faculty of Health Studies, Rijeka, Croatia (student)
- Deana Švaljug – University of Rijeka, Faculty of Health Studies, Department of Midwifery, Rijeka, Croatia
Article type:
Original Scientific Paper
Abstract:
The aim of this research
The aim of this research was to determine the average weight of term newborns and to observe the difference between male and female newborns. Also, the goal was to determine whether the measurements of newborns affect the completion of childbirth, whether these measurements increase with gestational gain, and whether some maternal diseases affect the anthropometric characteristics of newborns.
Methods:
The research was conducted by collecting data by looking at the medical documentation – the book of birth certificates of the Clinic for Gynecology and Obstetrics KBC Rijeka. The data was collected in the period from January 1, 2019, to December 31, 2019. The sample included all children born at term.
Results:
Of 2,421 newborns, 2,260 (93%) were born at term, 1,140 (50.4%) were male, and 1,120 (49.6%) were female. The average length, weight, and head circumference of male newborns is higher than female newborns (all p < 0.001), while the weight and length of twins do not differ (all p > 0.05), and the head circumference of male newborns is higher (p = 0.018). Of the 2,381 women, 53 (2.23%) had hypertensive disorders during pregnancy, 365 (15.33%) had gestational diabetes mellitus, 59 (2.48%) were obese, and the rest 1,904 (79.97%) suffered from some other disease or did not suffer at all.
Conclusion:
It was confirmed that anthropometric characteristics depend on gestational age. Also, maternal diseases affecting anthropometric characteristics showed a significant difference in mothers with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and obese mothers compared to mothers with hypertensive disorders.
Keywords:
lenght, head circumference, term newborn, weight,