A WHO collaborative study of maternal anthropometry and pregnancy outcomes

摘要: To assess the degree to which maternal anthropometric measurements predict and fetal outcomes World Health Organization (WHO) conducted a meta-analysis of 25 studies from 20 developed developing countries covering more than 111000 births. Effect size for each 5 indicators was expressed as an odds ratio (OR) based on frequency outcome occurring in lowest quartile indicator distribution compared with that highest quartile. Attained weight pre-pregnancy through 9 lunar months demonstrated high ORs both low birth (LBW) intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR); most LBW reported is due IUGR rather preterm (PTB). The strongest effect (OR 4.0) provided by attained at 24-28 weeks gestation when applied women below-average weight. This suggests weights taken pre- or early pregnancy 7 are useful IUGR; their ability PTB limited however. Neither height nor arm circumference were effective any analyzed. study 3 weaker. Maternal predictor assisted delivery showed positive OR (1.6) but did not meet screening criteria. These findings suggest single measurement 16-20 practical instrument primary health care settings. At this stage however identification may allow sufficient time be improved food supplementation.