EARLY INTRAUTERINE DEVELOPMENT .2. RATE OF GROWTH IN BLACK AND CENTRAL AMERICAN POPULATIONS BETWEEN 10 AND 20 WEEKS GESTATION

  • 1 January 1976
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 58  (6) , 833-841
Abstract
The application of the growth-rate standards, established for Caucasian embryos and fetuses, to Black and Central American racial groups was investigated. Comparison between menstrual age and crown-to-rump length indicated differences in the 10 to 15 wk gestation range. However, growth rates for the same groups were practically identical between the 15th and 20th weeks of pregnancy. The actual rate of growth was closely similar in the respective ethnic groups and apparent discrepancies reflected erroneous, or purposefully false, menstrual histories rather than dissimilar growth patterns. Largely identical rates of development were suggested by the crown-rump length to foot length to body weight interrelations among the various racial groups. A moderate, but rather predictable, deviation from the earlier established standards was noted in the crown-rump length vs. foot length ratios of Black American fetuses, providing the only exception to what was a practically identical rate of growth for the investigated ethnic groups in the 1st half of gestation. The effect of educational and social factors on currently available data of embryonic and fetal growth was studied. Unconsidered factors may affect the validity of widely quoted standards of intrauterine growth.

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