Fetal growth: Importance of maternal body size and dietary intakes during third trimester

Abstract

One hundred, and eighty four pregnant women in third trimester and their offsprings were studied to find out the effects of maternal body size and nutritional intakes on fetal growth. These mothers were subjected for anthropometric measurements (weight, height and weight for height ratio index) and surve for dietary intakes. The offsprings were assessed for inirauterine growth (weight, crown-heel length and head circumference). Both maternal weight for height ratio index and the dietary intakes were found to influence fetal growth. The fetal growth was significantly retarded, in women with weight for height ratio index <0.167 if the maternal caloric and protein intakes were less than 2000 kcals and 60.0 g respectively. The mean birth weight, with maternal weight for height ratio index group of less than 0.167 but receiving 2000 kcals and 65.0 g of proteins was 2650 g. However, if dietary intakes approached 2300 kcals and 75.0 g proteins in mothers with weight for height ratio index above 0.167, the size of offspring improved (mean birth weight >3000 g, crown-heel length >49.0 cm and head circumference > 33.5 cm). © 1983 Dr. K C Chaudhuri Foundation.