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Updated: May 18, 2026
Fetal Echocardiography and Pulsed-wave Doppler Ultrasound in a Rabbit Model of Intrauterine Growth Restriction
Published on: June 29, 2013
Antenatal surveillance of fetal growth restriction
Jennifer L Thompson1, Jeffrey A Kuller, Eleanor H Rhee
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA. Jennifer.l.thompson@dm.duke.edu
Insights
Fetal growth restriction (FGR) affects 5-10% of pregnancies, increasing risks. Monitoring with tools like biophysical profiles and Doppler velocimetry helps predict adverse outcomes and guide timely delivery.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Perinatology
- Fetal Medicine
Background:
- Fetal growth restriction (FGR) is a significant obstetric complication affecting 5-10% of pregnancies.
- Defined as estimated fetal weight below the 10th percentile, FGR is linked to increased perinatal morbidity and mortality.
- Close monitoring is crucial for identifying high-risk fetuses and preventing fetal demise.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current modalities for assessing fetuses with suspected fetal growth restriction.
- To highlight the importance of utilizing multiple assessment tools for improved prediction of adverse outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Sonographic growth assessment.
- Nonstress testing.
- Biophysical profile assessment.
- Doppler velocimetry (primarily fetal umbilical artery).
Main Results:
- No specific results mentioned, but the study discusses the utility of various assessment tools.
- Multiple fetal assessment tools may enhance the prediction of adverse outcomes.
- Timely delivery can be initiated before cardiovascular collapse in compromised fetuses.
Conclusions:
- Effective management of FGR requires careful monitoring using a combination of assessment tools.
- Utilizing multiple fetal surveillance methods aids in optimizing delivery timing and improving perinatal outcomes.
Abstract:
Fetal growth restriction is a complex problem in modern obstetrics. It is a condition of suboptimal fetal growth based on a genetically predetermined potential and affects approximately 5% to 10% of pregnancies. It is traditionally defined as an estimated fetal weight less than the 10th percentile. Those pregnancies that are affected by growth restriction are associated with increased risk of perinatal morbidity and mortality. Because of this increased risk, these pregnancies are monitored more closely to try to identify those fetuses at the greatest risk of fetal demise and initiate delivery before this critical event. Although the ideal management strategy is still being determined, there are several modalities available to assist in assessment of the growth-restricted fetus. These include the nonstress test test, biophysical profile, and Doppler velocimetry, most commonly of the fetal umbilical artery, in addition to sonographic growth assessment. The use of multiple fetal assessment tools may help improve the prediction of adverse outcomes and initiate delivery before cardiovascular collapse.
