Body Mass Index (BMI) and Anthropometric Measurement of the Developing Fetus

Medical and scientific study of the measurements and size of the human body is known as anthropometry. In anthropometry, body mass index (BMI) is one of the best indirect methods for the estimation of body fat and mass. Other methods of indirect methods include weight, stature, and abdominal circumference. Direct methods include total body water, total body counting, and criterion methods include body density. Other factors like the size and weight of the mother also influence the size and mass of the body. An earlier work was conducted by K.L. Mukherjee on the systemic anthropometric measure - ments of the aborted human fetus. The following chapter will deal with the importance of parental and fetal BMI and its influence on the development of the fetus at varying stages of development and their relationship with anthropometric measurements.