FETAL WEIGHT-GAIN IN A SERIALLY SCANNED HIGH-RISK POPULATION

Physiological as well as pathological variables influence fetal growth . This study was undertaken to assess the influence of physiological v ariables on fetal weight gain in a high-risk population with normal ou tcome. A total of 121 pregnancies had 3-13 (median 8) ultrasound scans in the third trimester. Estimated fetal weight was calculated accordi ng to standard formulae. The estimated fetal weight at 30, 34 and 38 w eeks and growth per day in the last 2 weeks prior to delivery were cal culated and compared between subgroups defined on physiological charac teristics, such as maternal height, maternal weight, parity and fetal sex. There were differences in growth curves for each of the physiolog ical parameters studied. Maternal height and weight were significantly related to the estimated fetal weight throughout the third trimester but there were no significant differences in growth per day in the las t 2 weeks before birth. In contrast, subgroups defined by parity and f etal sex did not show significant fetal weight differences in the thir d trimester, but the daily growth rate prior to birth was significantl y higher for multiparae and male fetuses. Physiological factors affect fetal weight gain and need to be taken into account when fetal growth is monitored in high-risk pregnancies.