Sibgha Zulfiqar, Mehrun Nisa.
Correlation of fetal dimensions with the nutritional status of mother as determined by history, body weight and hemoglobin estimation.
Proceeding Shaikh Zayed Postgrad Med Inst Jan ;16(1):15-8.

Women having larger babies tend to have greater increases in their basal metabolic rate and lower rates of maternal energy storage. When intakes fall below the threshold, fetal growth and development is affected more than is maternal health. Studies of protein and energy metabolism illustrates the potential of adjusting the use of those nutrients to conserve a fetal supply. The purpose of this study was to find out any significant co-relation between fetal dimension i.e. Biparietal diameter and femur length and maternal nutrition status as determined by taking history about caloric intake per day, maternal weight and haemoglobin estimation. One hundred normal pregnant females attending antenatal clinic of Shaikh Zayed Hospital were examined irrespective of their age, parity and gestational age. Fetal dimensions were measured by ultrasound examination at 15 weeks, 24 weeks and 36 weeks of gestation. Maternal caloric intake per day was calculated by taking nutritional history. Maternal body weight was measured by doing general physical examination. Haemoglobin was measured by taking blood sample. Statistical analysis was done, which showed wide variation in caloric intake per day (1500-2700 cal/day). Maternal body weight ranges from 47-96kg with mean of 66.29 kg and having standard deviation of 10.55. Minimum maternal haemoglobin was 7.5gm/dl while 14.3 gm/dl was the maximum with mean of 11.3 gm/dl. Significant co-relation (p<0.01) was seen among fetal dimensions at 24 weeks and maternal caloric intake, body weight and haemoglobin. We concluded that the relationship between maternal nutrition and fetal growth was highly significant. Improved fetal outcome in developing countries need to address the problem of maternal health.

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