Impaired growth in infants born to mothers of very high parity.

Anthropometric data are presented on 412 rural Gambian infants measured longitudinally from birth to 18 months of age. Maternal parity was shown to exert a marked influence on growth. Firstborn babies had significantly depressed birthweights (parity 1: 2.79 +/- 0.06 kg, n = 62; parities 2-9: 3.05 +/- 0.09 kg, n = 309; P less than 0.001) but catch-up growth was complete by 3 months. In contrast, children born to mothers of very high parity (10 and above) had average birthweights (2.90 +/- 0.07 kg, n = 41) but early growth was poor. At 3 months their weights, mid-upper arm circumferences and triceps skinfolds were significantly below those of other infants (eg, weight-for-age (% NCHS): parities 10+: 90.3 +/- 2.3 per cent; parities 2-9: 97.4 +/- 2.7 per cent; P less than 0.01). Supine length and head circumference were not affected. After 3-6 months all children experienced severe growth retardation reflected in poor weight, length and head circumference gains. No catch-up growth occurred in the high parity group. Consequently, anthropometric differentials set up by 3 months were maintained throughout infancy (eg, weight-for-age at 12 months: parities 10+: 76.4 +/- 1.9 per cent; parities 2-9: 81.5 +/- 2.6 per cent; P less than 0.01). The relationship between these infant growth patterns and maternal lactational performance is discussed.