A groundbreaking stride in pregnancy care has emerged from the collaborative efforts of BRIC-THSTI Faridabad and IIT Madras, as researchers unveil an India-specific model for precisely determining the age of a fetus in pregnant women during the second and third trimesters. Named Garbhini-GA2, this innovative formula stands poised to revolutionize fetal age estimation, mitigating errors inherent in existing Western-derived models and ensuring tailored care for Indian populations.

At the heart of this pioneering initiative lies the recognition of variances in fetal growth patterns within the Indian demographic, underscoring the need for a localized approach to gestational age (GA) determination. The newly developed Garbhini-GA2 model, validated using extensive Indian population data from GARBH-Ini cohort studies conducted at Gurugram Civil Hospital, Haryana, promises a quantum leap in accuracy, reducing estimation errors by nearly threefold compared to conventional methods.

Published in the esteemed Lancet Regional Health Southeast Asia on February 13, 2024, the research leverages genetic algorithm-based techniques to refine GA estimation, surpassing the efficacy of existing models such as Hadlock. This milestone achievement holds profound implications for pregnancy care in India, where a significant proportion of women undergo their first ultrasound in the second or third trimester.

By harnessing Indian population-specific GA formulae, clinicians can now offer enhanced prenatal care, ensuring optimal outcomes for both mothers and infants. The precise dating facilitated by Garbhini-GA2 not only fosters improved clinical decision-making but also bolsters epidemiological estimates for pregnancy outcomes nationwide.

The transformative potential of Garbhini-GA2 extends beyond clinical settings, with implications for reducing maternal and infant mortality rates across India. Once validated in prospective pan-India cohorts, this model holds the promise of widespread deployment in healthcare facilities nationwide, amplifying the impact of obstetricians and neonatologists in safeguarding maternal and infant health.

This landmark endeavor, undertaken in collaboration with esteemed institutions including Gurugram Civil Hospital, Safdarjung Hospital, Christian Medical College Vellore, and Pondicherry Institute of Medical Sciences, is emblematic of the synergy between clinical expertise and cutting-edge data science. Supported by the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Government of India, and funded by the Grand Challenges India program, this initiative underscores the transformative power of interdisciplinary collaboration in addressing critical healthcare challenges.

Dr. Shinjini Bhatnagar, principal investigator of the GARBH-Ini program, emphasized the pivotal role of clinician-data scientist partnerships in translating technological advancements into tangible clinical benefits. Dr. Himanshu Sinha, leading the data science work at IIT Madras, underscored the institution's commitment to leveraging advanced techniques for enhancing public health outcomes in India. Dr. Rajesh Gokhale, Secretary of DBT, hailed Garbh-Ini as a flagship program, heralding a new era in precision pregnancy care.

Through the convergence of cutting-edge research and clinical expertise, Garbhini-GA2 epitomizes India's quest for excellence in maternal and infant healthcare, promising a brighter, healthier future for generations to come.