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Objectives To compare fetal biometry measurements obtained in a Peruvian population with reference fetal size charts obtained in Peruvian and non-Peruvian populations. Methods Fetal biometry measurements collected prospectively in 195 uncomplicated pregnancies were included in the presented analysis. At 20, 24, 28, 32, 36 and 38 weeks' gestation, fetal head circumference, abdominal circumference and femur diaphysis length were measured. Fetal biometry measurements were compared with fetal size charts obtained from another Peruvian and two non-Peruvian populations from North America and Europe. Results When compared with ultrasound-based reference fetal size charts obtained from North American and European populations, fetuses from the studied population appeared to grow more slowly with advancing gestational age. This trend was not observed when a Peruvian population, similar to the one studied here, was used as a reference. Conclusions The results suggest that fetal growth in this Peruvian population may not be adequately assessed by using reference charts obtained from other populations and have implications for the use of growth standards in antenatal management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: This study was undertaken to evaluate whether prenatal zinc supplementation affects maturation of fetal cardiac patterns. Study design: A randomized double-blind controlled trial among 242 low-income Peruvian women was performed. Beginning at 10 to 16 weeks' gestation, women received supplements containing 60 mg iron, 250 µg folic acid with or without 25 mg zinc. Fetal heart rate (mean FHR, variability [HRV], number of accelerations) and movements (number and amplitude of movement bouts, time spent moving) were electronically monitored monthly from 20 weeks' gestation. Developmental trends were evaluated by supplement type among 195 women who completed the trial and had no serious complications of pregnancy. Results: Zinc supplementation was associated with lower FHR, greater number of accelerations, and greater HRV. Supplementation effects on HRV and accelerations were more pronounced after 28 weeks' gestation. No differences in motor activity were observed. Conclusion: Prenatal supplementation of zinc-deficient mothers may be beneficial to fetal neurobehavioral development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Longitudinal neurobehavioral development was examined in 237 fetuses of low-risk pregnancies from 2 distinct populations-Baltimore, Maryland, and Lima, Peru-at 20, 24, 28, 32, 36, and 38 weeks gestation. Data were based on digitized Doppler-based fetal heart rate (FHR) and fetal movement (FM). In both groups, FHR declined while variability, episodic accelerations, and FM-FHR coupling increased, with discontinuities evident between 28 and 32 weeks gestation. Fetuses in Lima had higher FHR and lower variability, accelerations, and FM-FHR coupling. Declines in trajectories were typically observed 1 month sooner in Lima, which magnified these disparities. Motor activity differences were less consistent. No sex differences in fetal neurobehaviors were detected. It is concluded that population factors can influence the developmental niche of the fetus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]