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Title: Unequal at Birth: A Long-term Comparison of Income and Birth Weight

Citation Type: Journal Article

Publication Year: 1998

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Abstract: Socioeconomic differences in birth weight have narrowed since 1900. The mother's nutritional status during her growing years, proxied by height, accounted for most of the differences in the past, but not today. Children born in 1910 compared favorably to those born in 1988 in terms of birth weights, but suffered high fetal and neonatal death rates. By their tenth day of life children in the past were at a disadvantage because best practice resulted in inefficient feeding. Improved obstetrical, medical, and nutritional knowledge has increased weight in the first days of life, which may account for increased adult stature.

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Authors: Costa, Dora L.

Periodical (Full): Journal of Economic History

Issue: 4

Volume: 58

Pages: 987-1009

Data Collections: IPUMS USA

Topics: Fertility and Mortality, Poverty and Welfare

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