The normal chest circumference for a newborn is usually _______ than its head circumference.

Correct option is A

In newborns, the chest circumference is generally about 2 cm less than the head circumference. This is because the chest, particularly the ribcage, is smaller at birth, and the head is larger to accommodate the growing brain. This measurement ratio tends to equalize as the baby grows.
Explanation of each option:
· (a) 2 cm less – Correct. Newborn chest circumference is typically about 2 cm less than the head circumference due to the size of the ribcage being smaller than the head at birth.
· (b) 2 cm more – Incorrect. The chest circumference is not larger than the head circumference. The head circumference is generally bigger than the chest at birth.
· (c) 4 cm less – Incorrect. While the chest circumference is smaller than the head, the difference is generally around 2 cm, not 4 cm. A 4 cm difference is unusually large.
· (d) 4 cm more – Incorrect. The chest circumference being larger than the head circumference at birth is incorrect, as the head is typically larger than the chest during this stage.