Foot Length Measurement from Foot Print for Identifying a Newborn at Risk

Abstract

Co-ordinated suckling and swallowing, and thereby successful nipple feeding is possible in most newborns at 34 weeks gestation.¹ However, the birth weight at which this is achieved is very different If a simple method of maturity assessment were available, gestational age at an appropriate cut-off point may become a logical choice for detecting a newborn at risk. Measurement of foot length from foot print for predicting gestational age is a simple yet reliable method. A baby born at 34 weeks or more may not need more than the mother's milk and extra warmth in a majority of instances. Therefore, foot length corresponding to 34 weeks of gestational age, viz 6.5 cm is suggested as a cut-off point for identifying a newborn at risk.