average birth weight
Average Birth Weight
Weight is considered as an important indicator of the approximate maturity of a newborn infant which in turn can determine the ability of that infant to survive. This article provides information on average birth weight statistics. Read on to know the factors that influence the weight at birth.
- Duration of the pregnancy, if it is a preterm birth, the baby is likely to be underweight
- Rate of fetal growth
- Infant Gender
- Whether it is a singleton pregnancy, or it is a case of multiple births
- Size of the parents
- Birth order
- Any complications regarding baby's health
- Maternal factors, such as race and ethnicity, nutrition, and current and previous pregnancy medical risk characteristics.
- According to the available statistics, the median birth-weight for U.S. singleton, full-term (forty weeks of gestation) births is nearly 3,500 grams (7 pounds, 11 ounces), and about 80% of the newborn infants have weight between 6 pounds and 9 pounds 4 ounces (2,750-4,250 grams).
- In the developed world, where there is no malnutrition of mothers, where mothers enjoy the benefits of advanced technology, the average weight of a full-term newborn is approximately 7 ½ lbs or 3.4 kg. It is typically in the range of 5.5-10 pounds (2.7-4.6 kg).
- Statistics show that the average weight at birth of boys and girls has increased marginally. The median birth weight in the period 1989-1991 was 3,372 grams, compared to 3,434 grams in the period 2004-2006.
- The average total body length of the newborn infants ranges from 14-20 inches (35.6-50.8 cm), although premature newborns may be much smaller. The average length of newborn boys and girls is 50.6 and 50.1 cm respectively. Approximately four percent newborn babies are smaller than 46 cm.
- The weight should not vary according to the gender. But, studies show that boys usually weigh 100 grams more than girls, at birth. Generally, boys are slightly heavier in weight than girls.
- Over 5 percent of newborn babies have a lower than average weight, i.e. less than 2,500 grams.
- Approximately 0.08 percent babies have an extremely low weight, i.e. less than 1,500 grams.
- Forty weeks is the normal duration of a singleton pregnancy. For twins, pregnancy may last for 37 weeks, while for a triplet pregnancy, it may last for 34 weeks. Approximately 50% of all multiple births are premature.
- Statistical reports show that the more the number of babies, chances of premature delivery are higher. Higher order multiples are always at the risk of prematurity, and they generally have a very low weight as well.
- Statistical analysis of the data collected during research studies reveal the fact that 58.2% of all multiple birth children were born lower than average weight, whereas only 6.2% of singletons were born low weight.
- The average birth weight of twins is 5 lbs. 5 oz. It is not necessary that the babies born as twins will have the same weight. Weight of each baby will be different. Sometimes, there can even be a difference of 2-3 pounds.