Nomenclature, Duration of Gestation, Birth Weight, Intrauterine Growth Dissenting Views

Abstract

Thank you for letting me see an advance copy of the Fetus and Newborn Committee's report on nomenclature and for the opportunity to comment on it. I believe that the overall effect of the report is to substitute gestational age for birth weight in classifying the newborn. This conclusion follows from a number of statements in the report, but mostly because a specific designation ("pre-term") is provided for short gestation and none for low birth weight. If the recommendations are followed, "pre-term" will replace "pre-mature" and short gestation will become the major criterion.