Anthropometry Measurements in Newborn | Pediatrics

Summary

This video guides through the process of newborn anthropometry assessment, covering key measurements such as weight, length, head circumference, chest circumference, upper and lower segment ratios, and ponderal index. It highlights the use of tools like electronic weighing machines, infantometers, and flexible measuring tapes for accurate measurements. The video also discusses normal ranges for various parameters and explains how to assess and differentiate between symmetrical and asymmetrical small for gestational age (SGA) babies. Lastly, the importance of using growth charts for tracking newborn development is emphasized.

Takeaways

• 😀 Weight measurement should be done using an electronic weighing machine, with normal birth weight ranging between 2.5 to 4 kg for full-term babies.
• 😀 A newborn's weight typically regains its birth weight by the 10th day of life and should gain at least 10 grams per kilogram per day thereafter.
• 😀 The length of a newborn is measured using an infantometer, with the normal length of a full-term baby being approximately 50 cm.
• 😀 Head circumference is measured using a non-stretchable measuring tape, ideally taken after 24 hours to account for molding and caput succedaneum.
• 😀 Normal head circumference at birth ranges from 33 to 37 cm and grows by approximately 2 cm per month during the first month of life.
• 😀 Chest circumference should be measured at the nipple level and is normally about 32 cm at birth, which is 3 cm less than the head circumference.
• 😀 The Upper Segment to Lower Segment (US/LS) ratio is measured to assess growth, with a normal ratio of 1.7:1 at birth.
• 😀 Ponderal index (PI) is calculated using the formula: weight (grams) / length (cm)^3 * 100, helping to differentiate between symmetrical and asymmetrical SGA (Small for Gestational Age) babies.
• 😀 For asymmetrical SGA babies, the PI is less than 2, while for symmetrical SGA babies, the PI is greater than 2.
• 😀 Growth charts, such as the International Intergrowth 21st postnatal growth standards, are used to plot the baby's weight, head circumference, and length to track growth.

Q & A

What is the normal birth weight range for a full-term newborn?

The normal birth weight range for a full-term newborn is between 2.5 to 4 kg.

What happens to a newborn's weight during the first week of life?

A newborn may lose up to 10% of their birth weight during the first week, but they should regain their birth weight by the 10th day of life.

How much weight should a baby gain daily after the first week?

A baby should gain a minimum of 10 grams per kilogram per day, with a range of 10 to 20 grams per kilogram per day.

How is a newborn's length measured?

A newborn's length is measured using an infantometer. The baby is placed with the fixed part touching the head and the movable part touching the sole of the feet, ensuring the legs are fully extended.

What is the normal length of a full-term newborn?

The normal length of a full-term newborn is 50 cm.

How should head circumference be measured?

Head circumference should be measured using a flexible, non-stretchable tape, placed at the level of the supraorbital ridge in the front and the occipital protuberance in the back of the head. The cross-method should be used for accuracy.

When is the best time to measure head circumference in a newborn?

It is ideal to measure the head circumference after 24 hours of birth to avoid inaccuracies caused by molding or Caput Succedaneum, which may affect measurements in the first 24 hours.

What is the normal head circumference range for a newborn?

The normal head circumference for a newborn is between 33 to 37 cm at birth.

How is chest circumference measured in a newborn?

Chest circumference should be measured at the level of the nipples using a cross-method. The normal chest circumference at birth is 32 cm, which is typically 3 cm less than the head circumference.

What is the normal upper segment to lower segment (US/LS) ratio at birth?

The normal upper segment to lower segment (US/LS) ratio at birth is 1.7:1.

What is the formula for calculating the ponderal index (PI), and what does it indicate?

The formula for calculating the ponderal index (PI) is: PI = Weight (in grams) ÷ (Length in cm)³ × 100. This helps differentiate between symmetrical and asymmetrical small-for-gestational-age (SGA) babies.

What is the PI threshold for classifying asymmetrical and symmetrical SGA babies?

For asymmetrical SGA babies, the PI is less than 2, while for symmetrical SGA babies, the PI is greater than 2.

How are newborn growth charts used in anthropometry assessments?

Newborn growth charts, such as the *Intergrowth 21st Postnatal Growth Standards* by Oxford University, are used to plot weight, length, and head circumference to track the baby's growth and monitor for any abnormalities.