Ethnic differences in birthweight-related parameters with particular reference to possible maternal nutritional risk factors.

Three birthweight-related parameters were examined in the deliveries occurring from January to July 1982 at Dudley Road Hospital, Birmingham, in 3 major ethnic groups and in relation to possible maternal nutritional risk factors in the European and Indian groups. Ponderal index did not correlate with either mean or 'corrected' birthweight especially in the West Indians. The 3 maternal nutritional risk factors appeared to be of greater fetal prognostic value in the Indian group than in the European group.