A note on the head circumference of Jamaican babies

ABSTRACT

The head circumference of a sample of Jamaican babies was recorded immediately after birth and classified according to gestational age, parity of the mother and sex of the child. The mean value (33.9 cm) was smaller than the same measurement recorded in other racial groups. The mean head circumference of male babies was significantly greater than that of female infants, and the mean head circumference of infants born to primiparous mothers was significantly greater than those born to multiparous mothers. Head circumference was strongly correlated with birth weight and crown-heel measurements. (summary)