Impaired fat deposition in pregnancy: an indicator for nutritional intervention

Unselective dietary supplementation of pregnant mothers can have adverse effects. It is essential to predict which mothers are nutritionally at risk and would benefit from supplementation. Preliminary studies indicated that mothers who increased their triceps skinfold by less than or equal to 20 micron during the second trimester were nutritionally at risk of having a small baby. In this study anthropometric indicators were explored in 81 Asian mothers living in Birmingham. Single (distance) measurements (eg, weight at 28 wk, etc) were not effective predictors. Changes in measurements of the arm during the second trimester were predictive, and triceps skinfold remained the most effective predictor of poor fetal growth. This measurement probably reflects the balance of energy intake minus energy expenditure during the critical second trimester when the mother would normally be laying down extra fat in anticipation of later fetal demands.