A long series of papers has investigated the distribution of birth weights. A common result is that the distributions differ from the Gaussian. Consequently, an attempt has been made to split the distribution into two components: a predominant Gaussian distribution and an unspecified “residual” distribution. Earlier studies have shown an association between the distribution of birth weights and gestation age. We consider data from the Åland Islands (Finland) for the period 1885-1998. The distribution of birth weight is evaluated and discrepancies from normal distribution are confirmed and discussed. Factors influencing birth weight are identified. The association between birth weight and gestation age is also explored. Comparisons with birth weights presented in data sets from other populations are made.

maternal age, sex, type of birth, gestation age, regional variation, temporal trend, regression analysis, goodness of fit, Kolmogorov-Smirnov test, normal distribution.