Ponderal index as a marker of intrauterine growth.

Anthropometric data obtained from 2925 consecutive live births were used to compute Rohrer's ponderal index (PI). Norms and curves for intrauterine growth in terms of PI were worked out for the first time in our country and were found to be comparable with figures from Western studies. PI was unaffected by sex and showed a linear correlation with gestational age up to 40 wk. PI was also found to be an efficient marker of disproportionate intrauterine growth.