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A WHO Collaborative Study of Maternal Anthropometry and Pregnancy Outcomes
1Department of Community Health and General Practice, Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland.
Summary
Maternal weight gain at 5 or 7 months is a practical screening tool for predicting low birth weight and intrauterine growth retardation. This method offers early warning for necessary interventions in primary healthcare settings.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Maternal-Fetal Medicine
- Public Health
Background:
- Anthropometric measurements are crucial for monitoring pregnancy.
- Predicting maternal and fetal outcomes requires effective screening tools.
- Global variations in healthcare settings necessitate adaptable prediction methods.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the predictive utility of anthropometric measurements for maternal and fetal outcomes.
- To establish reference curves for maternal weight gain.
- To evaluate efficiency across diverse country settings.
Main Methods:
- A comprehensive meta-analysis was conducted.
- Data from 25 datasets, encompassing over 111,000 births globally, were analyzed.
- Statistical analysis focused on odds ratios for various pregnancy outcomes.
Main Results:
- Attained weight indicators, particularly at 7 lunar months, showed strong odds ratios for low birth weight and intrauterine growth retardation.
- Maternal height showed a moderate odds ratio for predicting assisted delivery.
- Predictive accuracy for preterm birth and maternal outcomes was generally weaker.
Conclusions:
- A single weight measurement at 5 or 7 lunar months serves as a practical screening tool for low birth weight and intrauterine growth retardation.
- This screening approach is suitable for primary healthcare settings, signaling the need for intervention.
- Large-scale implementation is recommended to validate the operational value of these findings.