[Experiences with continuous fetal measurements during pregnancy].

Area of Science:

• Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Fetal Medicine
• Medical Ultrasound

Context:

• Accurate fetal growth assessment is crucial during pregnancy.
• Existing percentile curves (Lubchenco, GDR) have limitations in estimating fetal weight.
• Continuous ultrasonic measurements offer a method for monitoring fetal development.

Purpose:

• To evaluate the suitability of different percentile curves for assessing normal fetal growth.
• To determine the diagnostic accuracy of ultrasonic measurements for intrauterine growth retardation and hypertrophy.
• To investigate the potential of beta-stimulating sympathomimetics in simulating fetal growth.

Summary:

• Continuous ultrasonic measurements can evaluate fetal development, with GDR percentile curves showing better suitability than Lubchenco's for normal fetal growth.
• However, even GDR curves underestimate fetal weight (100-150g) between 30-36 weeks gestation.
• Intrauterine retardation and hypertrophy are diagnosable if measurements begin in the first trimester, but awareness of normal variations is essential. Attempts to simulate fetal growth in intrauterine retardation using beta-stimulating sympathomimetics were unsuccessful.

Impact:

• Highlights the need for refined fetal growth assessment tools and accurate reference data.
• Emphasizes the importance of understanding normal fetal growth variations to avoid misdiagnosis.
• Suggests limitations in current pharmacological interventions for intrauterine growth restriction.