Maternal Chronic Disease Research Articles

Association between delivery of small-for-gestational-age neonate and long-term maternal chronic kidney disease

Objective: To investigate whether delivery of a small for gestational age (SGA) neonate poses a risk for subsequent long-term maternal renal disease. Study design: A population-based study was conducted. Comparison was performed regarding the incidence of long-term renal morbidity in a cohort of women with and without a previous delivery of a SGA neonate. Deliveries occurred during a 25-year period, with a mean follow-up duration of 11.2 years. Renal morbidity included kidney transplantation, chronic renal failure and hypertensive renal disease. Cox proportional hazards model was used to estimate the adjusted hazards ratio (HR) for renal-related hospitalizations and mortality. Results: Out of 99 342 deliveries that met the inclusion criteria, 10 701 (10.7%) occurred in patients who had at least one previous delivery of a SGA neonate. During the follow-up period, patients with a delivery of an SGA neonate had higher rates of renal-related hospitalizations (0.2% versus 0.1%; OR = 1.6, 95% CI 1.01–2.5; p = 0.04). In a Cox proportional hazards model, adjusted for confounders, previous delivery of a SGA neonate was independently associated with subsequent maternal renal-related hospitalizations (adjusted HR, 1.7; 95% CI 1.1–2.8). Conclusion: Delivery of a SGA neonate is an independent risk factor for long-term maternal renal disease.

Перинатальні фактори ризику гіпоксично-ішемічної енцефалопатії у доношених новонароджених із нормальною та низькою до терміну гестації масою тіла

На базі відділення патології новонароджених обласної дитячої клінічної лікарні м. Чернівців обстежено 41 доношену дитину, хвору на гіпоксично-ішемічну енцефалопатію, з метою вивчення перинатальних факторів ризику захворювання залежно від маси тіла при народженні. Встановлено, що основними предикторами розвитку гіпоксично-ішемічної енцефалопатії у маловагових до терміну гестації новонароджених є: проживання матерів у міських поселеннях (46,2 %); наявність хронічної патології (анемії, захворювань щитоподібної залози) у матерів під час вагітності (46,6 %); супутні вроджені аномалії розвитку у третини (30,8 %) новонароджених; розвиток респіраторних порушень при народженні, що потребували проведення штучної вентиляції легень (61,5 %); проблеми вигодовування новонароджених (61,5 %). Гіпоксично-ішемічному ураженню центральної нервової системи у доношених новонароджених із нормальною відносно терміну гестації масою тіла передували: патологічний перебіг інтранатального періоду (розвиток дистресу плода в пологах унаслідок обвиття пуповиною у чверті випадків і патологічний перебіг пологів у третині (32,1 %) спостережень), що асоціював із народженням третини малюків в асфіксії (констеляція Апгар-тесту на 1-й хвилині ≤ 4 бали), яка часто призводила до розвитку кардіогенних ускладнень (28,6 %), поліорганної недостатності (14,3 %) і судомного синдрому (17,9 %).

Adipokines in umbilical cord blood from children born large for gestational age.

The etiology of childhood obesity and the associated morbidity is multifactorial. Recently, data suggesting a prenatal programming towards later childhood obesity and metabolic deregulation through the intrauterine environment has emerged. This study explored the concentrations of adipokines and their mutual relationship at birth in children born to non-diabetic mothers. Adiponectin, leptin and sOB-R were measured using ELISA-based commercial kits in umbilical cord blood from 60 neonates (30 born large for gestational age [LGA] and 30 born appropriate for gestational age [AGA]). Children exposed to maternal diabetes, chronic disease and preeclampsia were excluded. The LGA group exhibited significantly elevated concentrations of leptin (p<0.001) and of free leptin index (p<0.001) and decreased sOB-R concentrations (p=0.005) when compared to the AGA group, which persisted in multiple regression analysis after taking the gestational age into account (p=0.048, p<0.001 and p<0.001, respectively). Only a trend towards a difference in adiponectin was demonstrated (p=0.057) regardless of adjustment (p=0.150). However, the leptin/adiponectin ratio was elevated in the LGA group (p=0.008), regardless of adjustment (p=0.039). The data indicate a disturbance of adipokines in macrosomic newborns and that the mutual ratios between adipokines may provide a more sensitive marker of metabolic disturbance than any isolated adipokine.

The effect of intrapartum dental support use among nulliparous during the second stage of labor – a randomized controlled study

Objective: We aimed to determine the effect of a dental support device (DSD) use on the course of labor and delivery in nulliparous women.Methods: A randomized, controlled, open-label study of nulliparous (at 37 + 0/7 and 41 + 3/7 weeks of gestation) in a single tertiary university-affiliated medical center. Exclusion criteria included maternal chronic diseases, multi-fetal gestation and fetal chromosomal or structural anomalies. Outcomes were analyzed according to the actual use of the DSD, and satisfaction questionnaires following delivery.Results: Overall, 191 women were randomized (93in the study group and 98 in the control group). The median duration of the second stage was similar between the groups (100.0 ± 91.0 versus 98.0 ± 128.8 min, p = 0.97) and the maximal VAS score was significantly higher in the DSD group (4.0 ± 8.5 versus 3.0 ± 6.8, p = 0.04). The rate of obstetrical interventions such as operative vaginal delivery or cesarean section during the second stage was significantly higher in the control group than in the study group (28.2% versus 12.3% and 6.4% versus 1.2%, respectively, p = 0.004), mainly due to prolonged second stage of labor (24.5% versus 8.6%, p = 0.005). Of the DSD group, 50.6% rated the use of the DSD as comfortable, 32.2% rated its effect on pain relief as high, 55.6% would recommend its use to their peers and 51.9% would like to use it in their consecutive delivery.Conclusion: The use of a DSD among nulliparous women appears to decrease the need for obstetrical intervention due to prolonged second stage of labor, with fair satisfaction of patients.

Small for gestational age births among South Indian women: temporal trend and risk factors from 1996 to 2010

BackgroundThe birth weight and gestational age at birth are two important variables that define neonatal morbidity and mortality. In developed countries, chronic maternal diseases like hypertension, diabetes mellitus, renal disease or collagen vascular disease is the most common cause of intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR). Maternal nutrition, pregnancy induced hypertension, chronic maternal infections, and other infections such as cytomegalovirus, parvovirus, rubella and malaria are the other causes of IUGR. The present study examines the secular trend of Small for Gestational Age (SGA) over 15 years and risk factors for SGA from a referral hospital in India.MethodsData from 1996 to 2010 was obtained from the labour room register. A rotational sampling scheme was used i.e. 12 months of the year were divided into 4 quarters. Taking into consideration all deliveries that met the inclusion criteria, babies whose birth weights were less than 10th percentile of the cut off values specific for gestational ages, were categorized as SGA. Only deliveries of live births that occurred between 22 and 42 weeks of pregnancy were considered in this study. Besides bivariate analyses, multivariable logistic regression analysis was done. Nagelkerke R2 statistics and Hosmer and Lemeshow chi-square statistics were used as goodness of fit statistics.ResultsBased on the data from 36,674 deliveries, the incidence of SGA was 11.4% in 1996 and 8.4% in 2010. Women who had multiple pregnancies had the higher odds of having SGA babies, 2.8 (2.3-3.3) times. The women with hypertensive disease had 1.8 (1.5-1.9) times higher odds of having SGA. Underweight women had 1.7 (1.3 - 2.1) times and anaemic mothers had 1.29 (1.01 - 1.6) times higher odds. The mothers who had cardiac disease were 1.4 (1.01 - 2.0) times at higher odds for SGA. In teenage pregnancies, the odds of SGA was 1.3 (1.1 - 1.5) times higher than mothers in the age group 20 to 35 years.ConclusionsThere is a significant reduction in the incidence of SGA by 26% over 15 years. The women with the above modifiable risk factors need to be identified early and provided with health education on optimal birth weight.

Oocyte donation is an independent risk factor for pregnancy complications: the implications for women of advanced age.

Maternal age at first pregnancy and age-related infertility are steadily increasing, and the demand for assisted reproductive technologies (ART) to treat age-related infertility is also on the rise. The latest registry findings from Europe and the United States show that the meager results of ART in women above 43 years of age have not improved much over the past 10 years. The latest evidence shows that the demand for oocyte donation (OD) is steadily increasing. Contrary to previous belief-attributing increased perinatal complications in OD recipients to advanced maternal age and multifetal pregnancy-accumulating evidence from the past few years suggests that OD itself is a significant and independent risk factor for pregnancy complications, mostly for pre-eclampsia. The increased rate of chronic maternal disease and medical complications in pregnancy observed in advanced maternal age, coupled with the growing demand for OD, with its independent association with pre-eclampsia, create an urgent need to adopt a clear policy taking these risks into account. We present recent evidence showing that OD is an independent risk factor for pre-eclampsia and suggest recommendations for women approaching OD treatment in advanced age.

Prevalence and Factors Associated at Presence of Central Nervous System Congenital Malformations

Introduction: Congenital malformations are currently an important cause of morbidity and mortality in many countries, though in most cases their etiology is unknown. The central nervous system (CNS) is involved in many of these defects. Original Research Article Porto et al.; BJMMR, 6(10): 956-964, 2015; Article no.BJMMR.2015.272 957 Objective: To study the factors associated with CNS congenital malformations and their prevalence in infants born at a high risk maternity hospital in Northeastern Brazil. Materials and Methods: A case-control study performed from January 2010 to December 2011, with data from The Latin American Collaborative Study of Congenital Malformations. Results: Among the 8.405 registered births, 187 were malformed newborns (2.2%). Nervous system malformations were diagnosed in 61 patients (32.6% (CI = 95% 27.5 to 38.0)), the most frequent being neural tube defects and congenital hydrocephaly. Previous history of miscarriage and/or stillbirth (p = 0.008), family history of malformations (p < 0.001) and parental consanguinity (p = 0.028) are associated with CNS malformation. Environmental factors such as maternal chronic diseases, smoking, exposure to teratogenic drugs and alcohol presented no statistically significant differences. Conclusions: The genetic component was an important contributing factor to the etiology of the malformations studied.

105-POS

Introduction Recent data suggest placental growth factor (PlGF) has clinical utility for the management of suspected pre-eclampsia (PE) and/or fetal growth restriction (FGR). Objective To evaluate the added value of PlGF as a diagnostic test for placental dysfunction in a high-risk cohort. Methods High-risk women 100 pg/ml), low (12–100 pg/ml) or very low ( Results The median test to delivery interval was shorter with a low/very low vs normal PlGF; 11.5 vs 24 days (p = 0.02). Using the test nearest delivery, 11/39 had a very low PLGF; 10/11 delivered preterm ( 100 pg/ml measured 21 days prior to delivery. Conclusions In this small high-risk group, PlGF was useful in distinguishing superimposed pre-eclampsia from deterioration in chronic maternal disease (without features of placental dysfunction) but less discriminative for FGR in the absence of maternal disease. Disclosures E. Shawkat: None. E. Johnstone: None. D. Nice: None. A. Sayce: None. K. Hayden: None. J. Myers: None.

Risk factors leading to preterm births in Morocco: a prospective study at the maternity Souissi in Rabat.

IntroductionEminent morbidity and mortality of preterm infants is perceived, especially in developing countries. The aim of the study is to identify the main factors involved in the occurrence of premature births in Morocco.MethodsThis was a descriptive and analytical study conducted at the maternity Souissi in Rabat, from January 2011 to December 2011. The data were collected using interview with women in the postpartum, and via, the exploitation of obstetric and perinatal records. The data sheet was filled out for each newborn, including socio-demographic, obstetrical, maternal, childbirth and neonatal data, as well as, monitoring and surveillance of pregnancy.ResultsA total of 1015 births were collected. 954 were full term babies and 61 were preterms. The gestational age was between 33-34 weeks in 57.4%. Relying on Statistical analysis, many risk factors were, significantly, associated with the occurrence of prematurity, namely: low level of maternal education (p < 0.004), absence of pregnancy’ monitoring (p < 0.001), multiparity (p < 0.001), maternal chronic diseases (p < 0.001), and drug taking during pregnancy (p < 0.001).ConclusionTo reduce the incidence of preterm births, reliable programs must be established, devoting all its interest, to educate the young woman in childbearing age about the appropriate ways of monitoring pregnancy, as well as, the qualitative and quantitative development of health care structures.

Copper and selenium levels in women with second-trimester induced abortion in Mazandaran, 2009: A case control study

Abortion is the termination of a pregnancy by the removal or expulsion of a fetus or embryo from the uterus, resulting in or caused by its death. Missed abortion is the most common dangerous condition in pregnancy. An abortion can occur due to maternal complications, chronic disease, endocrine disorders, abortificient drugs, radiation, heavy metals and toxins. The study population consisted of 43 aborted patients and 43 normal pregnant females, referred to Imam Khomeini hospital. 10 ml blood was taken and centrifuged to isolate the patients’ sera. Then, the samples were analyzed to determine the copper and selenium levels, using atomic absorption spectrometry. All data were statistically analyzed by T-test and Mann- Whitney methods. As a result, we found a significant decrease in serum copper level in cases compared with controls. Also the results showed an insignificant decrease in serum selenium levels in the patients compared to the healthy women. According to the results, deficiency of the essential heavy metals may be a probable reason for missed abortion occurrence. These deficiencies can be related to malnutrition, decreased consumption of essential metals and supplementary compounds in pregnancy, lack of regular laboratory monitoring. Thus, consuming supplements in Iranian pregnant women can be helpful in completing a successful pregnancy.

The Broken Thread of Health Promotion and Disease Prevention for Women During the Postpartum Period.

Postpartum maternal health affects maternal functional status, future pregnancy outcomes, maternal chronic disease development, and infant health. After pregnancy, however, many mothers may find that they face gaps in care related to their health and caregiving roles. Research shows that they were unprepared, uninformed, and unsupported during the postpartum period as they struggle with physical and emotional symptoms, infant caregiving, breastfeeding concerns, and lifestyle adjustments. Limited follow-up after a diagnosis of gestational hypertension or gestational diabetes and screening for postpartum depression are additional gaps in preventive and supportive care. Integrative reviews revealed modest efficacy and limitations of recent postpartum health promotion and disease prevention interventions. System, clinical, and community strategies are identified to address these gaps in women's postpartum health services.

800: Delivery of an SGA neonate as an independent risk factor for long-term maternal chronic kidney disease

800: Delivery of an SGA neonate as an independent risk factor for long-term maternal chronic kidney disease

Association of certain chronic maternal diseases with the risk of specific congenital heart defects: a population-based study

ObjectivePrevious epidemiological studies have evaluated cases with all congenital heart defects (CHDs), rather than analysing different types of CHD. The objective of this study was to evaluate the possible association of certain chronic maternal diseases with the risk of different types of CHD, because the role of possible environmental factors in the origin of CHDs is unclear in the vast majority of patients. Study designDifferent types of CHD, diagnosed after lethal outcome (autopsy report) or after surgical intervention (catheter or correction), were evaluated in order to estimate the possible role of chronic maternal diseases in their origin. This analysis was based on the rates of medically recorded chronic maternal diseases in 3562 live-born cases with CHDs, 38,151 population controls without any birth defects, and 16,602 malformed controls with other isolated congenital abnormalities, using the data set of the population-based Hungarian Case–Control Surveillance of Congenital Abnormalities (1980–1996). ResultsMaternal epilepsy treated with carbamazepine and migraine were found to be associated with higher risk of ventricular septal defect; panic disorders were associated with higher risk of hypoplastic left heart; type I diabetes mellitus was associated with higher risk of coarctation of the aorta; chronic hypertension was associated with higher risk of ventricular septal defect, common atrioventricular canal and common truncus; and paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia was associated with higher risk of atrial septal defect secundum, common atrioventricular canal and ventricular septal defect. ConclusionIn conclusion, certain chronic maternal diseases were found to be associated with higher risk of specific CHDs. Appropriate treatment of these diseases may help to prevent these CHDs.

Maternal risk factors in the origin of isolated hypospadias: A population-based case-control study

The birth prevalence of hypospadias increased in Hungary during the last decades, thus the aim of this study was to analyze the possible role of maternal risk factors in the origin of isolated hypospadias (IHS). The incidence/prevalence of acute and chronic maternal diseases with related drug treatments were compared in the mothers of cases with IHS, population controls without defect and malformed controls affected with other isolated abnormalities in the population-based Hungarian Case-Control Surveillance of Congenital Abnormalities including 3038 cases with IHS, 24 814 population male controls without any defects and 11 096 malformed male controls with other isolated defect. Among exposures, prospective medically recorded chronic diseases and medically recorded or retrospective maternal information regarding acute diseases and drug treatments were evaluated in the study groups. Maternal epilepsy due to the treatment of valproate (odds ratio [OR] with 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.97, 1.07-3.61) and cervical erosion (4.09, 1.84-9.12) were associated with a higher risk of IHS. In addition, there was an association of oral nystatin (1.94, 1.22-3.09), lynestrenol (26.66, 8.69-81.80) and ethynilestradiol (3.51, 1.61-7.67) treatments in the mothers of cases with a higher risk for IHS. In conclusion, maternal cervical erosion, valproate, nystatin, lynestrenol and ethynilestradiol associated with a higher risk for IHS.

Inflammatory Markers in Umbilical Cord Blood from Small-For-Gestational-Age Newborns

This study investigates the role of inflammation in intrauterine growth retardation by exploring the levels of inflammatory markers in umbilical cord blood from neonates who were born small-for-gestational-age (SGA) and comparing them to neonates who were born appropriate-for-gestational-age (AGA). Interleukin 6 (IL-6), Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and C-reactive protein (CRP) were measured by standard methods in term or near-term (gestational age >36 weeks) neonates born SGA (n = 45) and a matched group of neonates born AGA (n = 45). Infants exposed to maternal chronic diseases, diabetes or pre-eclampsia were excluded. SGA was defined as two standard derivations below the expected for term and gender. In multivariate regression analyses significant elevation in cord blood concentration of IL-6 was demonstrated in the SGA group (mean 4.56 vs. 2.38, p = 0.002). The results indicate the presence of elevated inflammatory markers in the cord blood from SGA infants compared to AGA infants, and consequently the results suggest an inflammatory component in intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR).

Immediate Perinatal Outcome of Neonates with Maternal Hypertensive Disorders in Pregnancy

Introduction: Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy seem to be one of the major causes of maternal morbidity and mortality leading to 10-15% of maternal deaths especially in the developing world. This study examines the perinatal outcome of neonates with mothers having hypertensive disorder of pregnancy. Materials and Methods: Seventy three mothers and their newborn babies were selected. Mothers with Gestational hypertension, preeclampsia, eclampsia, chronic hypertension, preeclampsia superimposed on chronic hypertension were included. Gestational diabetics (GDM), chronic maternal diseases, infant of diabetic mother (IDM), babies with major congenital malformations were excluded. Results: Thirty five mothers (47.9%) had regular antenatal check up (ANC) and 38 (52%) had irregular. Nineteen mothers (26%) were primipara and 54 (74%) were multipara. Forty four mothers (60%) had positive family history or had own history of hypertensive disorder during their previous pregnancy. 13 mothers (17.8%) had normal vaginal delivery (NVD), 60 mothers (82.19%) had lower uterine cesarean section (LUCS). 30 babies (41%) were admitted. 44 mothers (60%) had gestational hypertension, 21 had (28.6%) pre-eclamtic toxemia (PET), 3 had (4.1%) eclampsia, 5 had (6.8%) essential hypertension 3 of them subsequently developed PET. Mean maternal age 26.86 years, gestational age 34.15 (±1.46)weeks among admitted and 36.30 (±1.6)weeks among non-admitted group. Mean birth weight was 1.69 (±0.39) kg. among admitted and 2.71 (±0.31) kg. in non-admitted babies. Seven pregnancies (9.58%) were twin, macerated 1 twin among was among 2 pregnancies (2.7%), 5 intra uterine death (IUD) observed in single pregnancy. Conclusion: Significant number of babies with maternal hypertensive disorder of pregnancy needed hospitalization, mean birth weight and gestational age was less than that of the non-admitted group. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jnps.v33i3.9252 J. Nepal Paediatr. Soc. 2013;33(3):190-195

Prenatal inflammatory risk factors for development of bronchopulmonary dysplasia

Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is a serious, chronic lung disease affecting preterm infants. To identify prenatal risk factors for BPD, focusing on inflammation. Observational cohort study including 106,339 preterm infants, live born before gestational week 37 + 0, from 1988 to 2009 in Sweden. A total of 2,115 infants were diagnosed with BPD, of which 1,393 were born extremely preterm, before gestational week 28 + 0. Information on risk factors was obtained from national health registers and included maternal chronic inflammatory diseases, pregnancy related diseases, and drugs related to treatment of inflammation or infection during pregnancy. Adjusted odds ratios (OR) were calculated in multivariable logistic regression models and are presented with 95% confidence intervals [95% CI]. Preeclampsia was the strongest risk factor for BPD [adjusted OR 2.04, 95% CI 1.83, 2.29]. For extremely preterm infants the adjusted OR was 1.33 [95% CI 1.08, 1.64]. Chorioamnionitis was associated with an increased risk of BPD, but only when including all infants in the analyses [OR 1.33, 95% CI 1.19, 1.48]. No apparent associations were found between maternal chronic inflammatory disease or use of anti-inflammatory drugs and the risk of BPD. Maternal diabetes mellitus, gestational diabetes and maternal use of antibiotics were associated with reduced risks of BPD. Preeclampsia related disorders increased the risk and maternal diabetes mellitus and gestational diabetes reduced the risk for BPD. As angiogenic factors play a role in preeclampsia and diabetes our findings suggest that an impaired angiogenesis may contribute to BPD development.

Comparative Characteristics of the Cytochemical Status of Peritoneal and Alveolar Macrophages in the Progeny of Female Rats with Experimental Liver Disease

The effects of experimental maternal chronic liver disease (induced by injection of hepatotropic toxin D(+)-galactosamine hydrochloride) on cytochemical activity of peritoneal and alveolar macrophages of the progeny were studied at different stages of postnatal development. Maternal hepatobiliary disease caused a reduction of the functional activity of macrophageal cells in the progeny, which manifested by inhibition of the lysosomal and peroxidase activities and low level of acid phosphatase.

Prevalence, Risk Factors and Outcomes of Velamentous and Marginal Cord Insertions: A Population-Based Study of 634,741 Pregnancies

ObjectivesTo determine the prevalence of, and risk factors for anomalous insertions of the umbilical cord, and the risk for adverse outcomes of these pregnancies.DesignPopulation-based registry study.SettingMedical Birth Registry of Norway 1999–2009.PopulationAll births (gestational age >16 weeks to <45 weeks) in Norway (623,478 singletons and 11,263 pairs of twins).MethodsDescriptive statistics and odds ratios (ORs) for risk factors and adverse outcomes based on logistic regressions adjusted for confounders.Main outcome measuresVelamentous or marginal cord insertion. Abruption of the placenta, placenta praevia, pre-eclampsia, preterm birth, operative delivery, low Apgar score, transferral to neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), malformations, birthweight, and perinatal death.ResultsThe prevalence of abnormal cord insertion was 7.8% (1.5% velamentous, 6.3% marginal) in singleton pregnancies and 16.9% (6% velamentous, 10.9% marginal) in twins. The two conditions shared risk factors; twin gestation and pregnancies conceived with the aid of assisted reproductive technology were the most important, while bleeding in pregnancy, advanced maternal age, maternal chronic disease, female foetus and previous pregnancy with anomalous cord insertion were other risk factors. Velamentous and marginal insertion was associated with an increased risk of adverse outcomes such as placenta praevia (OR = 3.7, (95% CI = 3.1–4.6)), and placental abruption (OR = 2.6, (95% CI = 2.1–3.2)). The risk of pre-eclampsia, preterm birth and delivery by acute caesarean was doubled, as was the risk of low Apgar score, transferral to NICU, low birthweight and malformations. For velamentous insertion the risk of perinatal death at term was tripled, OR = 3.3 (95% CI = 2.5–4.3).ConclusionThe prevalence of velamentous and marginal insertions of the umbilical cord was 7.8% in singletons and 16.9% in twin gestations, with marginal insertion being more common than velamentous. The conditions were associated with common risk factors and an increased risk of adverse perinatal outcomes; these risks were greater for velamentous than for marginal insertion.

Fetal biometry: does patient ethnicity matter?

Objective: To determine if fetal biometry varies according to race.Methods: We performed a retrospective chart review of prenatal ultrasounds completed in our Perinatal Center from January 2009 to December 2010. Singleton pregnancies 17 to 22.9 weeks were included. Pregnancies complicated by IUGR, fetal anomalies, chronic maternal diseases, or dated by an ultrasound after the first trimester were excluded. Biparietal diameter (BPD), head circumference (HC), abdominal circumference (AC), femur length (FL), and humerus length (HL) were compared between African Americans (AA), Caucasians, and Hispanics using ANOVA and Student t-test.Results: Included were 1327 AA, 147 Caucasian, and 86 Hispanic subjects. The AC was significantly smaller in AA than Caucasians (p = 0.008). There was no difference between AA and Caucasians in BPD, HC, FL, or HL. There were no differences between Hispanics and either Caucasians or AA in any of the biometries evaluated.Conclusions: A single fetal growth curve is not applicable across all ethnicities. AA fetuses have smaller AC then Caucasian fetuses from 17 to 22.9 weeks, which is typically the period when anatomic surveys are performed. Because AC contributes heavily to estimated fetal weight calculations, physicians may be over estimating growth restriction in AA patients. Ethnicity-specific fetal growth curves are indicated to limit unnecessary follow up.