Sex differences in fetal growth and immediate birth outcomes in a low-risk Caucasian population.
Sander GaljaardLieveke AmeyeChristoph C LeesAnne PexstersTom BourneDirk TimmermanRoland DevliegerPublished in: Biology of sex differences (2019)
These longitudinal fetal growth curves for the first time allow integration with neonatal and pediatric WHO gender-specific growth curves. Boys exceed head growth halfway of the pregnancy, and immediate birth outcomes are worse in boys than girls. Gender difference in intrauterine growth is sufficiently distinct to have a clinically important effect on fetal weight estimation but also on the second trimester dating. Therefore, these differences might already play a role in early fetal or immediate neonatal management.