First Trimester Fetal Growth Linked with Cardiovascular Risk Later in Childhood

Smaller crown-to-rump length in early pregnancy correlated with childhood cardiovascular risk at age 6 years.

Low birth weight is known to be associated with adverse health outcomes later in life, particularly if accompanied by high postnatal weight gain. To determine if fetal growth restriction in the first trimester is associated with later cardiovascular risk, investigators in the Netherlands carefully determined fetal crown-to-rump (C-R) lengths in 1184 mothers with well-documented menstrual histories and assessed the children's cardiovascular risk factors at age 6 years.

Children in the lowest C-R quintile had significantly higher total body-fat mass, android/gynoid fat-mass ratio, and diastolic blood pressure than children in the highest quintile. First trimester C-R length was not associated with later childhood body-mass index, systolic bloo…

Reviewing Author

F. Bruder Stapleton, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardCareer Physician

Editorial BoardsUpToDate

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesAmerican Society of Pediatric Nephrology Foundation (Chair)

F. Bruder Stapleton, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardCareer Physician

Editorial BoardsUpToDate

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesAmerican Society of Pediatric Nephrology Foundation (Chair)

First Trimester Fetal Growth Linked with Cardiovascular Risk Later in Childhood

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Reviewing Author