[Echography in comparing the fetal growth of infants of African and European mothers]. / Comparison, par échographie, de la croissance foetale des enfants de mères africaines et européennes.

ABSTRACT

Ethnic differences after delivery between babies of black or white origin are well know. However, until now, fetal growth during pregnancy has not been studied in relation to ethnic factors. In this study, two groups of 201 women, one of african origin, the other of european origin, were compared for their ultrasonic measurements of fetal abdominal transverse diameter (ATD), biparietal diameter (BPD) and femoral length. The two groups were matched by hospital, date of delivery, parity and socio-economic status. Multiple pregnancies were excluded. ATD was not different between the two groups, whereas BPD was significantly smaller among african fetuses mainly during late pregnancy and femur was greater during the entire pregnancy. Ethnic factor remained significant when taking into account confounding factors. Observed differences appeared to be more probably related to a racial factor than to hypotrophy. These findings have to be considered in order to appreciate fetal growth among african fetuses during pregnancy.