Cohort Profile: NICHD Fetal Growth Studies–Singletons and Twins

Why was the cohort set up?Optimal fetal growth is a foundation for long-term health, whereas abnormal growth affects disease risk across the lifespan.Both fetal growth restriction and overgrowth are associated with increased fetal, infant and child mortality and morbidity, 1,2 as well as being factors in reproductive disorders and later-onset diseases.Population-level data suggest a relationship between diminished birth size and chronic disorders, including hypertension, 3,4 supporting the early origins of health and disease research paradigm. 5spite the importance of adequate fetal growth, no US standards for ultrasound-measured fetal growth exist.7][8] Existing ultrasound references have generally been constructed from local convenience samples which are not representative of the US population.In contrast, ultrasonographic standards can be purposefully developed to reflect optimal growth by restricting study populations