[Anthropometric skin-fold and impedance measurement assessment of the maternal nutritional status at the end of pregnancy. Comments deduced from a study of 54 cases].
BACKGROUND
It is generally accepted that an optimal maternal weight gain is indicative of a normal course of pregnancy. Nevertheless, evaluations of nutritional status should not be limited to the periodic body weight measurement alone, they should rather include the measurement of anthropoplicometric parameters more strictly associated with the variations of the different body components (fat mass, fat-free mass and body water). Therefore, it seems necessary to define standard parameters, such as to allow the attribution of a clinical value to the anthropometric variations that can be measured during pregnancy. In this study we preliminarily proposed to survey maternal nutritional status in a group of women examined in the second day after delivery.


METHODS
Anthropoplicometric parameters and bioelectric impedance measurements were evaluated in order to study nutritional status of 54 puerperae within 48 hours after delivery. A linear regression analysis was carried out examining the relationship of anthropoplicometric measurements with gestational weight gain and post-partum impedance parameters.


CONCLUSIONS
The results of this study lead to believe that a correct examination of maternal nutritional status must necessarily include not only weight and body mass index, but also an accurate and periodic anthropoplicometric evaluation including limb circumferences and triceps plica.
Licitra
L
L
Clinica Ginecologica ed Ostetrica, IRCCS Burlo Garofolo, Università degli Studi, Trieste.
Pregazzi
R
R
Troiano
L
L
Guaschino
S
S
D000328:Adult; D000886:Anthropometry; D017097:Electric Impedance; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016014:Linear Models; D009752:Nutritional Status; D049590:Postpartum Period; D011247:Pregnancy; D012885:Skinfold Thickness; D013997:Time Factors
Valutazione antropoplicometrica ed impedenziometrica dello stato nutrizionale materno al termine della gravidanza. Considerazioni dedotte dallo studio di 54 casi.