Patterns of fetal growth in an Asian Indian cohort in the USA.

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether a greater proportion of fetuses in an Asian Indian cohort are classified as small for gestational age than would be expected from a normally distributed population.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis of fetal growth pattern and neonatal outcome was conducted among Asian Indian women who were referred to a maternal-fetal medicine center in Park Ridge, IL, USA, for evaluation of fetal growth between January 1, 2012, and December 31, 2013. The primary outcome was an abdominal circumference or estimated weight of lower than the 10th percentile for gestational age according to the Hadlock formula.

RESULTS

Overall, 207 women and 210 fetuses were included. Forty-eight (22.9%) fetuses had an abdominal circumference lower than the 10th percentile. The total number of neonates classified as small for gestational age at delivery was 22 (10.5%), a value indicative of a normally distributed population.

CONCLUSION

Fetal size was smaller than expected among the present Asian Indian cohort, but most neonates were classified as appropriate for gestational age at birth. Population specific growth curves are needed to improve assessment of fetal growth.