Objectives: To evaluate the performance and the utility of using birthweight-adjusted scores of Dubowitz and Ballard methods of estimating gestational age in a Zimbabwean population. Method: The Dubowitz and the Ballard methods of estimating gestational age were administered to 364 African newborn infants with a known last menstrual period (LMP) at Harare Maternity Hospital. Results: Both methods were good predictors of gestational age useful in differentiating term from pre-term infants. Our regression line was Y-(LMP gestational age) 23,8 14 + 0.301*score for the Dubowitz and Y-(LMP gestational age) = 24.493 + 0.420*score for the Ballard method. Addition of birthweight to the regression models improved prediction of gestational age; Y-(LMP gestational age) 23.5 12 + 0.219*score + 0.0015*grarns for Dubowitz and Y-(LMP gestational age) 24.002 + 0.292*score + 0.0016*grams for Ballard method. Conclusions: We recommend the use of our birthweight-adjusted maturity scales; the Dubowitz for Studies of prematurity, and the Ballard for routine clinical practice. (C) 2002 International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics. Published by Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.