ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: To evaluate fetal growth parameters throughout gestation in Puerto Rican women and compare them to other mixed U.S. populations. METHODS: Cross-sectional study of 548 patients who met inclusion criteria of Puerto Rican ancestry, no history of drug, alcohol or tobacco use, no identifiable fetal anomalies, normal amniotic fluid and certainty of last menstrual period. Standard sonographic biometric data (biparietal diameter, occipito-frontal diameter, head circumference, abdominal circumference, femur length and estimated fetal weight) was obtained for each gestational age between 13 and 38 weeks and the 10th, 50th, and 90th percentile determined for each one. Results were compared to those of other mixed U.S. populations. RESULTS: Biometric data on fetal growth throughout gestation among Puerto Ricans is presented. Comparison with other mixed populations did not show any significant differences in fetal biometric measurements throughout pregnancy. CONCLUSIONS: Different to other ethnic groups, Puerto Ricans show similar fetal growth patterns as those reported from mixed U.S. populations. This information validates the use of these reference values in the evaluation of fetuses in Puerto Rico.