Correlation of fetal femur length, birth length between IFA and MMN since preconception period

Objective: A short femur length (FL) could be a marker early onset fetal growth restriction. The objective of this study is to know the correlation of fetal femur length and birth length between iron folic acid (IFA) and multimicronutrient (MMN) since preconception period. Methods: This randomized double-blind study provided IFA and MMN from preconception period in Banggai District Central Sulawesi. 19 preconception women were followed in their pregnancy to the childbirth. Measurements of fetal size to report are FL (cm) between 22---24 weeks and 37---38 weeks gestation. Results: The results showed in 2nd trimester of pregnancy mean fetal FL in IFA group = 3.70 ± SD 0.20 in MMN group mean fetal FL = 4.18 ± SD 0.29. In the 3rd trimester of pregnancy in IFA group, mean fetal FL = 6.53 ± SD 0.45 in MMN group mean fetal FL = 6.61 ± SD 0.30. The average length of infants born in IFA group was 47.86 cm ± 2.41 and in MMN group was 49.5 cm ± 2.51. There is no significant correlation of fetal FL in the 2nd and 3rd trimester of pregnancy with the birth length in each group (p > 0.05). Conclusion: Women who get IFA intervention has a short FL compared to MMN group. The availability of the nutrients required for optimal fetal growth.