Intrauterine Growth as Estimated From Liveborn Birth-Weight Data at 24 to 42 Weeks of Gestation, by Lula O. Lubchenco et al,Pediatrics, 1963;32:793–800

Abstract

Data on the birth weights of 5,635 live-born Caucasian infants at 24 to 42 weeks' gestation are presented. All infants were born from July 1948 to January 1961. Data from infants born at greater than 36 weeks' gestation after 1955 are excluded because of the large number of infants. The socioeconomic stratum represented by this population is defined as medically indigent or part-pay. The median weights of Colorado babies (3230 g) were found to be lower at 40 weeks' gestation that the national median (3340 g). Weight curves in the form of percentiles are generated from the data. These curves can be used as standards for determining the adequacy of weight gain of individual infants which may be done either at the time of birth, or after birth in relation to extrauterine environmental factors.