Birthweight/gestational age charts revisited

Intra-uterine growth charts are widely used, but the data from which they are generated are imprecise and the (mis)use made of them is in danger of acceptance through repetition. To an obstetrician they have little use and the description 'intra-uterine growth chart' is misleading. This traditional analysis is reported to emphasize that a new approach to judging the normality or otherwise of intra-uterine development is needed, particularly to aid the clinician involved in management of the high risk pregnancy and preterm labour and delivery.