Evaluation of Applicability of Standard Growth Curves to Healthy Native Omani Women by Fetal Biometry at Selected Gestational Ages

Abstract

Objective – To verify the applicability of standard fetal growth curves proposed for Western populations to an Omani population. Method – Ultrasound scans were performed at selected stages of gestation on 165 healthy Omani pregnant women to measure fetal growth parameters of biparietal diameter, head circumference, cephalic index, abdominal circumference and femur length. The data were compared with the commonly recommended standards of Hadlock, Campbell, Sabbagha, Wexler, Jeanty and others. Results – None of the standard charts agreed with the data in the present study except those of Sabbagha and Wexler for biparietal diameter and of Jeanty for femur length. Conclusion – Since most parameters of the standard growth curves developed in the West are not applicable for assessing the intra-uterine growth of Omani babies, it is necessary to develop growth curves for the Omani population to prevent over-diagnosis of intrauterine growth retardation.