Physical growth of Indian infants from birth to six months (a longitudinal study).

Abstract

In a longitudinal study of physical growth carried out at the well baby clinics at the Zanana Hospital, Jaipur, 125 normal infants were studied from birth and six months. Observations regarding weight, recumbent length, crown to rump length, head circumference and chest circumference are presented, and compared with the findings of other workers. Monthly and quarterly increments in these measurements were also studied. Male infants were seen to lead over female infants in regard to all measurements recorded. Birth weight was doubled during the fourth month in both male and female samples. A continuous deceleration in rate of growth was noted at monthly as well as quarterly intervals, from birth to six months. Regarding physical measurements, the results of the present study generally coincide with those of other Indian workers but infants studied are seen to be somewhat smaller, and have a slower rate of growth than those of more advanced countries.