DOI: 10.36347/sjams.2017.v05i01.036

Pages: 175-179

Growth of fetus is dependent on multiple factors related to Fetal, Maternal, Placental and Environmental factors. Ponderal Index proves to be a good index of growth estimation. Also ponderal index can differentiate between acute, subacute and chronic malnutrition. Aim of the study is to set the gestational age and sex specific percentile charts of ponderal index of newborns and to identify high risk vs low risk babies according to low, appropriate or high ponderal index in future follow up. The mean, standard deviation, 3rd, 5th, 10th, 50th, 90th, 95th and 97th percentiles of PI were calculated and their corresponding curves were drawn according to fetal age & sex. In present study it was observed that as gestational age increases from 25 to 43 weeks, there was progressive increase in PI. But at 31st and 34th week in females and 31st 32nd and 34th week in males’ sharp growth was seen which denotes maximum growth of fetus in utero. As such there is no significant difference found in PI is seen in males and females. We can use the reference percentile charts of PI to know the outcome of infant in early life.