Factors Associated with Ultrasound-aided Detection of Suboptimal Fetal Growth in a Malaria-endemic Area in Papua New Guinea

Fetal growth restriction (FGR) may lead to increased infant mortality rates and ill-health in adulthood. This study showed an association between maternal undernutrition, short stature, and anemia with indicators of FGR in a malaria-endemic region of Papua New Guinea. Further, intermittent preventive treatment in pregnancy was associated with increased weight z-scores, and anemia with reduced change in weight z-scores. The authors concluded that antenatal nutritional interventions and malaria prevention may improve fetal growth.