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[Weight/head circumference ratio at birth for assessing fetal growth]

Dixis Figueroa Pedraza1, Ítalo de Macedo Bernardino1, Anahi Cézar de Lima Lins1

  • 1Universidade Estadual da Paraíba. Av. das Baraúnas 351 Campus Universitário, 58109-753. Campina Grande PB Brasil. dixisfigueroa@gmail.com.

Ciencia & Saude Coletiva
|April 27, 2022
PubMed

Insights

The weight-to-head circumference ratio effectively assesses fetal growth. Lower ratios indicate poorer growth, linked to factors like gestational age and maternal health.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Public Health
  • Human Growth and Development

Background:

  • Fetal growth assessment is crucial for infant health outcomes.
  • The weight-to-head circumference ratio is a potential indicator of proportionate fetal growth.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the utility of the weight-to-head circumference ratio in assessing fetal growth.
  • To identify factors associated with variations in this ratio in a Brazilian birth cohort.

Main Methods:

  • Cross-sectional study of 726 term infants (≥2500g) in Paraíba, Brazil.
  • Collected anthropometric data, sociodemographic information, and details on gestational care and delivery within 24 hours postpartum.
  • Classified infants as proportionate (ratio ≥0.87) or disproportionate (ratio <0.87).

Main Results:

  • Lower mean weight-to-head circumference ratios were observed in newborns with lower gestational age, lower birth weight, and female infants.
  • Maternal factors such as not receiving folic acid and delivery by cesarean section were associated with lower ratios.
  • Infants with disproportionate ratios exhibited lower mean weight, length, and head circumference, irrespective of sex.

Conclusions:

  • The weight-to-head circumference ratio serves as a significant indicator of fetal growth.
  • This ratio is influenced by gestational age, birth weight, sex, socioeconomic factors, maternal supplementation, and mode of delivery.

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