Related Experiment Videos
Which fetal growth charts should be used?
R Lindgren1, A Selbing, E Leander
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Linköping, Sweden.
Acta Obstetricia Et Gynecologica Scandinavica
|January 1, 1988
Summary
Fetal growth charts based on last menstrual period (LMP) may be inaccurate. Ultrasound crown-rump length (CRL) provides a more precise gestational age, leading to different birth weight correlations and growth patterns.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Fetal Medicine
- Neonatal Research
Background:
- Current fetal intra-uterine growth charts predominantly rely on last menstrual period (LMP) data.
- This reliance may lead to inaccuracies for infants whose gestational age is determined via early pregnancy ultrasound.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the accuracy of gestational age determination using ultrasound crown-rump length (CRL) versus LMP.
- To evaluate the impact of different gestational age determination methods on birth weight correlations and fetal growth patterns.
Main Methods:
- A study of 1369 singleton pregnancies.
- Gestational age was estimated using both fetal crown-rump length (CRL) ultrasound and last menstrual period (LMP) data.
- Infant birth weights were recorded routinely.
Main Results:
- Discrepancies in gestational age determination between CRL and LMP occurred in 664 out of 1369 cases.
- In 516 cases, LMP data overestimated gestational age compared to CRL (p < 0.001).
- Birth weight correlations were higher with CRL-determined age, and a significant birth weight increase was observed between 40-42 weeks using CRL, but not LMP.
Conclusions:
- Last menstrual period (LMP) data can overestimate gestational age, particularly in late pregnancy.
- Ultrasound crown-rump length (CRL) offers a more reliable method for gestational age assessment.
- Future fetal growth chart construction should consider the superior accuracy of ultrasonic gestational age determination.