Growth pattern of the Indian fetus

Abstract Objectives: To determine the pattern of intrauterine growth and the gestation at birth of Indian fetuses. Method: One hundred twenty consecutive women who had reliable menstrual histories, low-risk pregnancies and who were booked for delivery at the Christian Medical College Hospital, Vellore, before 20 weeks' gestation were recruited to the study. Ultrasound fetal biometry was carried out at 4-weekly intervals from 20 weeks and at weekly intervals after 36 weeks until delivery. Results: Growth patterns of fetal biparietal diameter and femur length were comparable to those reported in Western populations. However there was a lag in growth of abdominal circumference (AC) after 28 weeks in comparison with that reported in Western populations. The median gestation at delivery following spontaneous labor was 39 weeks. No association was observed between rate of growth of AC and gestation at birth. Conclusion: Slowing of growth of the fetal AC after 28 weeks and a shorter length of gestation result in the birth of smaller babies in this ethnic group. The implications of these findings are discussed.