Abstract
Objective: To compare outcomes of fetuses with an estimated fetal weight (EFW) <25th percentile in the second trimester to those in fetuses with EFW ≥25th percentile in the second trimester. Methods: We compared outcomes of 252 pregnancies with an EFW <25th percentile at 18-24 weeks' gestation with those of 265 controls. All pregnancies had early dating by ultrasonography. We excluded fetuses with aneuploidy, major malformations, second-trimester rupture of membranes, and multiple pregnancies. Results: Second-trimester EFW <25th percentile was significantly associated with higher rates of fetal or neonatal death, third-trimester small for gestational age (SGA), Doppler abnormalities, indicated preterm birth, gestational hypertension or pre-eclampsia before labor, lower birth weight, birth weight <10th percentile, birth weight <5th percentile, and admission to the neonatal intensive care unit. Many of these associations remained even after excluding patients with oligohydramnios, fetal echogenic bowel, and growth asymmetry. Conclusion: Second-trimester SGA, as defined by an EFW <25th percentile using current growth curves, is associated with poor obstetric and neonatal outcomes. Increased surveillance of such pregnancies may be necessary.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 61-65 |
Number of pages | 5 |
Journal | Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology |
Volume | 32 |
Issue number | 1 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Jul 2008 |
Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- Estimated fetal weight
- Growth restriction
- Second trimester
- Ultrasound
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Radiological and Ultrasound Technology
- Reproductive Medicine
- Radiology Nuclear Medicine and imaging
- Obstetrics and Gynecology