Effect of Maternal Age and Birth Order on Foetal Biometric Parameters

Abstract

Background: Foetal biometric parameters have been used to determine the growth pattern and viability of the foetus; however, some studies have suggested that the foetal development are also influenced by the age of the mother and parity (birth order). This research was therefore carried out to establish the effect of maternal age and birth order on foetal biometric parameters of Nigerians. Methods: The study was a prospective cross-sectional study, involving a total of 167 (76 male and 91 female) foetal records obtained from a semi-automated ultra-sonographic image. Four (4) biometric parameters (femur length [FL], abdominal circumference [AC], bi-parietal diameter [BPD], and head circumference [HC], were obtained from the sonographic machine while maternal (age), and birth order were determined after clinical examination and interview by the physician. XLSTAT (Addinsoft, version 2015.4.0.1) ANOVA and correlation were used to evaluate the strength of the relationship between maternal age, birth order and the measured foetal biometric parameters. P<0.05 was taken to be statistically significant at 95% confidence level. Results: The meanS.D values of the biometric parameters for both sexes were observed as follows; male (FL = 51.4018.41mm, AC = 245.5672.02mm, BPD = 67.7421.07mm, and HC = 230.0764.34mm) and female (FL = 50.618.31mm, AC = 245.5167.64mm, BPD = 68.4720.34mm, HC = 235.0764.27mm and NBL = 8.042.29mm). The mean values of the foetuses of the different birth orders were not significantly different (P>0.05). There was also no significant relationship between parity and maternal age on the foetal parameters (P>0.05). Conclusion: It could be concluded that maternal age and parity are not significant influencers of the foetal growth pattern and development.