Studies reveal small foetuses in first trimester of pregnancy had increased cardiovascular disease risk

A study was done by a team of researchers in Netherlands and published in BMJ. It focussed on the size of the foetal in the first trimester of the pregnancy and its effects on cardiovascular health at later stages of the children. Studies were done on 1,184 children. Their first trimester crown to rump length measurements were taken from those whose mothers knew the first day of their last menstrual period and also had a reported regular cycle. Also taken into consideration was the mother’s age, education, body mass index, ethnicity, smoking status and blood pressure. All these were recorded. The children were assessed at age 6. Results showed that those who were the smallest foetus had higher total fat mass, abdominal fat mass, diastolic blood pressure and also a risky cholesterol profile. There were definitely visible cardiovascular risk factors seen. But as Smith and Aiken say, "we need a deeper understanding of the strength, nature and mechanisms of the reported associations before rushing to intervene."