Abstract

SANCHEZ SALAZAR, Francisca Rosa; TRELLES AGUABELLA, Edilia; CASTANEDO VALDES, Raquel  and  LUGONES BOTELL, Miguel. Índice de masa corporal en embarazadas adolescentes. Rev Cubana Med Gen Integr [online]. 2003, vol.19, n.1. ISSN 0864-2125.

A study was performed on 600 pregnant adolescents seen at "Eusebio Hernández" Teaching Gynecological and Obstetric Hospital from July 1997 to December, 1999 to find out the influence of the body mass index over the fetal growth and the birth weight. Their gynecological age, occupation, marital status, cultural and nutritional conditions, uterine height and the energy and nutrient levels of the consumed diet were evaluated. Fetal ultrasound served to measure weight, biparietal diameter, transverse diameter of the thorax, femur length and head and abdominal circumference whereas gestational age, height and weight were evaluated in the newborn. Statistical differences (p < 0,05) were found between fetal dimensions and the birth weight of the newborn according to the pre-gestational body mass index. This study showed the importance of this index in the comprehensive care of pregnant adolescents.

Keywords : BODY MASS INDEX; PREGNANCY IN ADOLESCENCE; FETAL WEIGHT; BIRTH WEIGHT; ULTRASONOGRAPHY, PRENATAL.