Journal of tropical pediatrics
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A prospective cohort of 908 consecutively enrolled pregnant women with biparietal diameter (DBP) compatible with gestational age equal to or below 21 weeks were followed up regularly at 2-4 weeks intervals. Normal antenatal care routine was applied. The newborns were followed until 7 days postpartum. ⋯ Of the cohort women, 9.7 per cent delivered SGA newborns. It was concluded that maternal constitutional factors, particularly maternal weight gain, maternal height and maternal weight as well as syphilis and malaria during pregnancy, need to be given attention concerning the adverse outcomes addressed. The establishment of an obstetric cohort, followed prospectively, was possible in a low-income setting with limited numbers lost to follow-up at delivery.