High School

A newborn infant at full gestational age has an average length of:

A. 15 inches
B. 18 inches
C. 20 inches
D. 22 inches

Answer :

Final answer:

The average length of a newborn infant at full gestational age is 51 cm (20 inches). This falls within a normal birth length range of 46 to 56 cm for full-term newborns in wealthier nations. The correct option is c).

Explanation:

The average length of a newborn infant at full gestational age is approximately 51 cm (20 in.). This measurement applies to a well-nourished, full-term newborn.

Newborns in wealthier nations of the world tend to fall within a total body length range between 46 and 56 cm (18 and 22 inches) at birth, with pre-term infants usually measuring less due to a shorter period of prenatal growth.

The average birth weight of a full-term newborn is about 3.4 kg (7.5 lb), while their weight is expected to triple by their first birthday as they undergo rapid growth, particularly in the head and trunk areas, facilitating the development of the brain, heart, and lungs. The correct option is c).