Fetal growth velocity standards from the Fetal Growth Longitudinal Study of the INTERGROWTH-21st Project

BackgroundHuman growth is susceptible to damage from insults, particularly during periods of rapid growth. Identifying those and the normative limits that are compatible with adequate development first key steps toward preventing impaired growth.ObjectiveThis study aimed construct international fetal velocity increment conditional standards 14 40 weeks’ gestation based on same cohort contributed INTERGROWTH-21st Fetal Growth Standards.Study DesignThis was a prospective, longitudinal 4321 low-risk pregnancies 8 geographically diverse populations in Project rigorous standardization all procedures, equipment, measurements were performed by trained ultrasonographers. Gestational age accurately determined clinically confirmed ultrasound measurement crown-rump length at <14 gestation. Thereafter, ultrasonographers, who masked values, measured head circumference, biparietal diameter, occipitofrontal abdominal femur triplicate every 5 weeks (within 1 week either side) using identical equipment each site (4–7 scans per pregnancy). Velocity increments across range intervals between measures modeled fractional polynomial regression.ResultsPeak observed similar gestational age: 16 17 for circumference (12.2 mm/wk), (11.8 mm/wk) (3.2 mm/wk). However, slowed down rapidly length, an almost linear reduction term more marked length. Conversely, remained relatively steady throughout pregnancy. The change evident than when expressed as percentage size We have also shown how obtain accurate our previous methodological work.ConclusionThe skeleton abdomen different patterns intrauterine life. Accordingly, we produced Increment Standards complement so monitor well-being comprehensively worldwide. curves may be valuable if one wants pathophysiology provide application can used easily clinical practice evaluate changes refined assessment possible present (https://lxiao5.shinyapps.io/fetal_growth/). freely available other tools https://intergrowth21.tghn.org/standards-tools/. Human This Standards. regression. Peak work.