Researchers from Erasmus Medical Center in the Netherlands recently published a study on the impact of fetal biomarkers on first trimester fetal size. The biomarkers measured included folic acid concentrations, placental growth factor and plasminogen activator inhibitor type 2.
About 1,500 pregnant women about 12.4 weeks into their pregnancy were evaluated for the study. Maternal blood samples were collected and tested for various biomarkers important in the development of the placenta. The measurements were compared to early fetal growth measurement; including CRL (crown-to-rump length).
Researchers found a positive correlation between folate, plasminogen activator inhibitor type 2 and soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 levels and early fetal size.
Source: Bouwland-Both MI, Steegers EA, Lindemans J, Russcher H, Hofman A, Geurts-Moespot AJ, Sweep FC, Jaddoe VW, Steegers-Theunissen RP. Maternal sFlt-1, PlGF, PAI-2 and folate concentrations and early fetal size: The Generation R study. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2013 Apr 10. pii: S0002-9378(13)00358-X. doi: 10.1016/j.ajog.2013.04.009.