Birthweight distribution and ante-natal care in Ikwiriri village, Tanzania.

Birthweight records 1972-1980 from a Tanzanian village are analysed by sex, parity, occupation of head of household, and level of ante-natal care. The latter is found to have a significant impact on length of gestation and birthweight distribution. Birthweight is also shown to be associated with maternal weight gain in the third trimester of pregnancy, which reflects the impact of nutrition and energy expenditure. The findings on fetal growth and length of gestation are compared with those from a similar study done in Dar es Salaam. The length of gestation was found to be shorter, but birthweight for gestational age to be consistently higher than in the city. These differences are attributed to different life styles and levels of food intake. Recommendations are made for systematic recording and analysis of birthweights for the purpose of nutrition surveillance.