STANDARDS FOR ULTRASOUND FETAL GROWTH VELOCITY

Objectives An ultrasound study to establish the nature and limits of f etal growth in a low risk population from 22 weeks of gestation until term. Design Prospective, longitudinal ultrasound study of 274 low ris k pregnancies involving organised scanning schedules with all measurem ents performed by one observer using the same equipment. Results Growt h velocity charts have been created for a number of ultrasound paramet ers including estimated fetal weight, by applying appropriate statisti cal methods to the serial data. The rates of growth of the biparietal diameter, femur length, abdominal area and estimated weight each have characteristic patterns demonstrating maximal growth rates at differen t gestations. Conclusions Appropriately derived and calculated ultraso und fetal growth velocity standards have been established. These data are suitable for the evaluation of ultrasonically estimated fetal grow th rates in the prediction of adverse perinatal outcome and the furthe r investigation of the role of the intrauterine environment in the ori gin of adult disease.