Why is it in the news?

• Researchers from BRIC-THSTI Faridabad and Indian Institute of Technology Madras collaborated to develop Garbhini-GA2, an India-specific model for accurately determining foetal age during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy.
• The existing methods for determining foetal age (gestational age, GA) rely on formulas developed for Western populations. However, these methods may lead to errors, particularly in the later stages of pregnancy, due to variations in foetal growth patterns among the Indian population.

 About Garbhini-GA2

• Garbhini-GA2 is tailored specifically for the Indian population and validated using extensive Indian population data.
• It is designed to accurately estimate foetal age in the second and third trimesters, significantly reducing estimation errors by almost three times compared to existing models.
• The precise determination of gestational age is essential for providing appropriate antenatal care to pregnant women and ensuring accurate delivery dates.
• Garbhini-GA2 is part of the DBT India initiative (GARBH-Ini) programme launched in 2014 by the Department of Biotechnology. This programme aims to advance research on birth outcomes through interdisciplinary collaboration between academic and healthcare institutions.
• It is the first late-trimester GA estimation model developed and validated using Indian population data.
• By addressing the need for precision in foetal age estimation, Garbhini-GA2 contributes to improving maternal and foetal healthcare outcomes in India.
• Garbhini-GA2 holds the potential for widespread adoption in clinical settings across India, leading to enhanced antenatal care practices.
• Moreover, its development signifies a significant milestone in the indigenous development of medical technologies tailored to the unique healthcare needs of the Indian population.