OBJECTIVE: To investigate the association between prenatal growth patterns as estimated by biparietal diameter (BPD) and cardio-metabolic risk at 20 years.

DESIGN: Follow-up study.

SETTING: Denmark 1988-2009.

POPULATION: Two cohorts of children born between 1988 and 1990 (n= 707) and followed up in 2008-2009 (n=333-509).

METHODS: We have access to BPD from early ultrasound scan and birthweight. For each gender, BPD and birthweight gestational age specific growth-z-scores were calculated. A change in growth trajectory was depicted as a shift in z-score for the two growth measures. Multiple linear regression modeling was used to estimate associations between BPD and birthweight z-scores and later cardio-metabolic risk factors as well as estimating whether changing growth trajectory was associated with later cardio-metabolic risk.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Self-reported anthropometrics and clinically measured blood pressure, heart rate and biochemical measures associated with cardio-metabolic health.

RESULTS: After adjustments, BPD was not associated with any of the outcomes. Birthweight was positively associated with both adult height and weight and inversely associated with insulin, triglyceride and insulin resistance. Also, the data indicated a u-shaped association between growth in second half of pregnancy and adult body mass index among individuals with a low BPD in mid-pregnancy.

CONCLUSION: Different patterns of intra-uterine growth may be associated with later risk of cardio-metabolic disease. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.