[The influence of anemia on the weight of child and placenta].

To determine the influence of anemia on the weight of child and placenta, a group of people suffering from anemia was compared with a non-anemic group (Hb median 8.6 g%). It was found that: 1. The median weight of the newborn child in the anemic group is 83,5 g less than in the non-anemic group. This insignificant difference is dependent solely upon the lesser weight of the mother in the anemic group (difference 6.2 kg). 2. The distribution curve of child weight which is displaced by 83,5 g on the side of lesser weight of the children explains an increase of birth rate from 5,5% to 7,5% among children under the 2500 g limit. 3. In contrast to the anticipated parallel behaviour to child weight, the placenta shows an increase in weight which can be considered as a compensatory achievement.