A study of 204 consecutive deliveries in Abidjan--Anthropometric data of newborns, mothers and placentas.

Anthropometric measurements of newborns, mothers and placentas were taken in 204 consecutive deliveries at Adjamé Maternity Hospital in Abidjan. Aclinical assessment of gestational age was made. Low mean birthweight can be attributed to a higher incidence of pre-term newborns in the present sample. Incidence of small for gestational age and large for gestational age babies is similar to that found in developed countries. Detailed analysis of correlations between maternal, placental and neonatal variables show that birthweight is dependent on nutritional status of the mothers and on size of the placenta. Young primiparae are shown to become pregnant before reaching full growth. Their weight and weight for height are significantly lower than for multiparae. The main group at risk for impaired foetal growth, prematurity and low birthweight are the children born to primiparous mothers.