Reduced growth velocity from the mid-trimester is associated with placental insufficiency in fetuses born at a normal birthweight

Abstract

Abstract Background Fetal growth restriction (FGR) due to placental insufficiency is a major risk factor for stillbirth. While small-for-gestational-age (SGA; weight 30 centiles between 20 and 36 weeks were associated with two–threefold increased relative risks of these indicators of placental insufficiency, while low 20–28-week growth velocities were not. Conclusions Reduced growth velocity between 20 and 36 weeks among AGA fetuses is associated with antenatal, intrapartum and postnatal indicators of placental insufficiency. These fetuses potentially represent an important, under-recognised cohort at increased risk of stillbirth. Encouragingly, this novel fetal assessment would require only one additional ultrasound to current routine care, and adds to the potential benefits of routine 36-week ultrasound.

Keywords

• Appropriate-for-gestational-age
• Fetal growth restriction
• Growth velocity
• Mid-trimester
• Placental insufficiency
• Antenatal ultrasonography