The Dutch famine, 1944-1945, and the reproductive process. II. Interrelations of caloric rations and six indices at birth.

Effects of maternal exposure to famine during the prenatal period were compared among six indices of reproduction by the use of Z scores. Maternal weight was affected soonest, then birthweight and placental weight. Length and head size at birth were affected relatively less and only after exposure to more severe nutritional deprivation. Path models were constructed of the interrelations of caloric rations, length of gestation, maternal weight, and fetal dimensions. Above a threshold value of 1,5000 Cal dialy average official food rations available to mothers in the third trimester, a model in whichthe placenta is treated as a fetal dimension (or organ) seemed most appropriate. Below the threshold value, a model in which the placenta is treated as a transmitter of nutrients seemed most appropirate.