Fetal growth charts for Aboriginal fetuses

The study aimed to determine whether fetal growth parameters in Aboriginal pregnancies are such that separate fetal growth charts are necessary for their appropriate care. We designed a prospective study of a cohort of Aboriginal women presenting for antenatal care before 20 weeks gestation (ultrasound proven) and a reference cohort of Caucasian women. Four remote North Queensland communities served by the Far North Regional Obstetric and Gynaecological Service (FROGS) and the antenatal clinic at Cairns Base Hospital took part in the survey One hundred and four Aboriginal and 101 Caucasian women with no known medical factors affecting fetal growth or gestation were recruited, and 96 Aboriginal and 96 Caucasian women completed the study Measurements took the form of longitudinal percentile charts of fetal biparietal diameter, abdominal circumference and femur length. Ultrasound measurements of fetal biparietal diameter, abdominal circumference and femur length were obtained 3 to 5 times during Aboriginal and Caucasian pregnancies, where the gestation was established by ultrasound before 20 weeks gestation, and no known medical conditions which affect fetal growth were present in the mother. There were no statistical or clinically important differences in biparietal diameter, femur length and abdominal circumference of Aboriginal and Caucasian fetuses. We concluded that there is no reason to use separate fetal growth charts when examining Aboriginal fetal growth.