Revised Gairdner-Pearson growth charts

Abstract

Since 1971 when these charts were published,' ultrasonography has enabled gestational age to be assessed more reliably. Recent observations by Keen2 in Sheffield give birthweight for the period 14 to 42 weeks' gestation. Between 32 and 36 weeks these values are significantly lower than those shown in our graphs, which were derived from data collected in Aberdeen between 1948 and 1964. Other recent observations on birthweight of preterm infants are those of Kitchen from Melbourne3 and Brooke from London.4 Both of these cover the range 28 to 30 weeks (but not later): for this two week period their mean values accord well with those of Keen and also with the values shown in our 1971 charts.