High-altitude population neonatal and maternal phenotypes associated with birthweight protection

Abstract

Reduced foetal oxygen delivery seen in native lowlanders who gestate at HA causes foetal growth restriction-an effect thought to be mitigated in native HA populations. We found that greater maternal body mass and UtA diameter were associated with increased offspring birthweight in a (Ladakh) HA population. This supports a role for them as physiological mediators of adaptation and provides insights into potential mechanisms that may treat hypoxia-related growth issues.