Average birth weight in Malta

Abstract

According to popular belief the Maltese tend to have large babies, though no study in Malta has yet been made. The purpose of this study is intended to give an indication of the average Maltese birth weight. The sample was taken from the weights of 4103 live neonates of Maltese parents born during the years 1951 to 1959. The figures were collected from St. Luke's Hospital, Blue Sisters Hospital, David Bruce Military Hospital and The Malta Memorial District Nursing Association. Birth weight, birth order and sex were the factors considered. Data collected showed that the average weight of the first born male was 7 lb. 5.3 oz. and of the female 7 lb. 0.8 oz. There is a general tendency for the birth to increase with every additional birth. The second male and the third female tend to be heavier than the first few babies. The average weight of all recorded births is 7 lb. 9.8 oz. for boys and 7 lb. 4.7 oz. for girls. Another observation was that the average weight is slightly higher than that of English babies.