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Current status of infant growth measurements in the perinatal period in India
Insights
Low birth weight (24-39%) and preterm births (7-22%) are common in India. Mid-arm circumference (MAC) is a reliable indicator for assessing fetal growth and screening high-risk newborns in community settings.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal care
- Fetal development
- Public health in India
Background:
- Analysis of Indian literature on fetal growth, birth weight, and gestation.
- Identified high incidence of low birth weight (24-39%) and preterm births (7-22%).
- Observed earlier onset of labor and significant morbidity/mortality in infants with birth weight between -1 SD and -2 SD.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the current status of fetal growth and intra-uterine growth potential in India.
- To identify challenges in birth weight recording and variations in neonatal outcomes.
- To explore alternative methods for assessing fetal growth and screening neonates in community settings.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of Indian studies on fetal growth parameters.
- Analysis of birth weight, gestation distribution, and neonatal mortality data.
- Evaluation of mid-arm circumference (MAC) as a screening tool.
Main Results:
- Incidence of low birth weight: 24-39%; preterm births: 7-22%.
- Early neonatal mortality rates range from 1.5% to 8.4%, with significant variations.
- Mid-arm circumference (MAC) shows a strong correlation with birth weight and neonatal mortality.
Conclusions:
- Infants between -1 SD and -2 SD birth weight require distinct categorization due to high risks.
- Logistic issues hinder birth weight recording in community settings.
- Mid-arm circumference (MAC) is a viable and reliable method for fetal growth assessment and high-risk neonate screening in community care.
Abstract:
Analysis of currently available information in the Indian literature on the present status of fetal growth measuring birthweight and gestation distribution, and the intra-uterine growth potential of the fetus has pointed to several interesting findings. The incidence of low birthweight is 24-39% and of preterms, 7-22%. In general the process of labour seems to begin at an stage of earlier gestation. A significant proportion of infants that are born with birth weight between -1 SD and -2 SD show high morbidity and mortality, suggesting the need for them to be categorized as a distinct group. The early neonatal mortality varies between 1.5 and 8.4%. The results show a wide variation between hospital and community care, and between privileged and underprivileged. Logistic problems prevent the recording of birth weight at home or in the community. Recent observations reveal that mid-arm circumference (MAC) of newborns has a strong correlation with birth weight and neonatal mortality. MAC can be reliably used to assess fetal growth and for screening high-risk neonates in community care.