Trends in birthweight between 1857 and 1883, in Melbourne, Australia

Abstract

Epidemiological evidence suggesting that subjects with lower birthweight have an increased risk of adult cardiovascular disease has led to increased interest in factors influencing birthweight. We have documented large changes in mean birthweight over a relatively short historical period from 1857 to 1883. Mean birthweight declined progressively from 7.9 lb (3.6 kg) in the period 1857-63 to 6.9 lb (3.1 kg) in 1874-78, then rose to 7.5 lb (3.4 kg) for the period 1879-83. We found the expected relationships between infant birthweight and maternal age, parity and marital status, and identified an association between birthweight and maternal country of birth. However, neither temporal changes in..