Growth Pattern of Intrauterine Growth Retarded (IUGR) Babies in First Nine Months of Life

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Full-term intrauterine growth retarded (IUGR) [human] babies (41) of different maternal etiologies, i.e., maternal undernutrition (12), small maternal size (12), toxemia of pregnancy (9) and idiopathic (8), were studied for growth pattern during first 9 mo. of life. Eighteen full-term and 11 preterm who were appropriate for gestational age served as controls. These mothers were comparable for age, parity, socioeconomic status, weight and height (except in small size mothers), Hb and plasma albumin (except in undernourished group). The various anthropometric parameters studied were weight, crown-heel length, head circumference, their velocities and ponderal index. IUGR babies of undernourished mothers had lowest means for weight, crown-heel length and skull circumference. Babies of small sized mothers suffered most in crown-heel length followed by weight. Head growth was not affected in these babies. IUGR babies of mothers with toxemia of pregnancy demonstrated a catch-up growth for all 3 parameters. IUGR babies of idiopathic group showed a spurt in weight gain around 3-6 mo. and a similar spurt for crown-heel length and head circumference was observed between 6-9 mo. of age. These babies were close to IUGR babies of mothers with toxemia of pregnancy at 9 mo. The preterm AGA babies also demonstrated a catch-up growth for the weight, crown-heel length and circumference.