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Fetal growth is directly related to maternal anthropometry and placental volume

European Journal of Clinical Nutrition volume 58, pages 894–900 (2004)Cite this article

Abstract

Objective: To describe the influence of maternal weight and weight gain, placental volume and the rate of placental growth in early pregnancy on fetal dimensions measured sonographically.

Design: In a prospective study, 712 women were recruited from the antenatal clinic of the University Hospital of the West Indies. Data analysis was confined to 374 women on whom measurements of the placental volume at 14, 17 and 20 weeks gestation were complete. Measurements of maternal anthropometry and fetal size (by ultrasound) were performed. Weight gain in pregnancy between the first antenatal visit (8–10 weeks) and 20 weeks gestation, and the rate of growth of the placenta between 14–17 and 17–20 weeks gestation were calculated.

Main outcome measures: Fetal anthropometry (abdominal and head circumferences, femoral length, and biparietal diameter) at 35 weeks gestation.

Results: Lower maternal weight at the first antenatal visit was associated with a significantly smaller placental volume at 17 and 20 weeks gestation (P<0.002 and <0.0001 respectively). In all women, maternal weight gain was directly related to fetal anthropometry. Placental volume at 14 weeks gestation and the rate of growth of the placenta between 17 and 20 weeks gestation were significantly related to all four fetal measurements.

Conclusion: This study has provided evidence that both placental volume, and the rate of placental growth may influence fetal size. These effects are evident in the first half of pregnancy, and appear to be mediated through maternal weight and weight gain.

Sponsorship: This study was supported by a grant from the Wellcome Trust, 183 Euston Road, London, England.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Tropical Metabolism Research Unit, Tropical Medicine Research Institute, University of the West Indies, Mona, Kingston, Jamaica

    M Thame, F Bennett & T Forrester

  2. Medical Research Council Environmental Epidemiology Unit, University of Southampton, Southampton General Hospital, Southampton, UK

    C Osmond

  3. Epidemiology Research Unit, Tropical Medicine Research Institute, University of the West Indies, Mona, Kingston, Jamaica

    R Wilks

Authors
  1. M Thame
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  2. C Osmond
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  3. F Bennett
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  4. R Wilks
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  5. T Forrester
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Contributions

Contributors: All authors have read and approved submission of the manuscript, and each has made a unique contribution to the study. MT carried out the measurements on the subjects, supervised the technical staff and participated in the writing and analysis of the manuscript. CO provided statistical advice and participated in data analysis. RW participated in the design of the study and was the clinical epidemiologist assigned to conduct the study. FB participated in the design of the study and the preparation of the manuscript. TF was the principal investigator in all matters of the conduct of the study, including the manuscript preparation. The project was supported by the Wellcome Trust.

Corresponding author

Correspondence to T Forrester.

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Thame, M., Osmond, C., Bennett, F. et al. Fetal growth is directly related to maternal anthropometry and placental volume. Eur J Clin Nutr 58, 894–900 (2004). https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.ejcn.1601909

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.ejcn.1601909

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