Weight is not sufficient to show fetal growth; understand

The obstetrician explains that the size of the baby’s head and abdomen must also be analyzed to identify restrictions in the development of the fetus

Antenatal care is essential in any pregnancy. At this time, the mother is supported by a team of professionals in charge of monitoring every detail of the development of the fetus. Therefore, this is also the stage where birth defects and possible problems with the baby are discovered. One such problem that usually haunts mothers is intrauterine growth restriction. The condition is defined as a lower than normal growth rate for a specific child’s potential, based on race and gender.

Restriction can significantly increase the risk of morbidity and mortality compared with children with adequate intrauterine growth. Therefore, it should be cause for attention. midwife dr. Bruna Pitaluga reports that some health professionals who accompany pregnant women establish the weight of the fetus as the main and only criterion for diagnosing possible signs of growth retardation. “However, this indicator, analyzed in isolation, can lead to a misinterpretation of the true state of fetal growth,” she warns.

According to the expert, for a more confident analysis, it is recommended to use another indicator associated with weight. That is, the ratio of head circumference to waist circumference. 70% to 80% of growth limits are asymmetrical, indicates the doctor. That is, there is a difference between the size of the head (the cephalic circumference is within normal parameters) and the abdomen of the fetus (the abdominal circumference is small). Therefore, according to her, paying attention to this relationship is a good criterion for diagnosing restriction.

Why is weight alone not enough to indicate fetal growth restriction?

According to the doctor. Brunette, these changes usually occur after 28 weeks of gestation. “During this period there begins to be a metabolic demand from the child so that there is fetal growth aimed at a weighted increase of about two kilos, central nervous system maturation and adequate neurological development,” she explains.

However, at this stage some fetuses fail to reach their potential for growth and development and, to prioritize brain survival, no longer store energy in the liver. “In this way the abdominal circumference begins to decrease and therefore the weight is not the main determining factor for the diagnosis of intrauterine growth retardation”, clarifies the midwife.

Bruna points out that if there is a good correlation between abdominal circumference and head circumference and the weight is adequate, this child is in full development. “But if there isn’t a good correlation between abdominal circumference and brain circumference, even if the weight is adequate, make no mistake: it is an asymmetrical growth limit,” she says.

“Small for Gestational Age”

It is also important to highlight, according to the obstetrician, the difference between intrauterine growth restriction and the concept called “small for gestational age” (SGA). “It’s actually not the same thing. As mentioned, restriction is characterized when a child does not reach his or her growth potential. A baby considered small for gestational age is one whose weight, at birth, is below the 10th percentile of that particular age, according to the demographic norms of growth charts,” he clarifies.

The fetal percentile is a statistical measure that roughly indicates whether your baby is small, medium, or large compared to other babies of the same age. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends looking at the 10th and 90th percentiles as a guideline for predicted weight. Bruna explains that the small term for gestational age is used for birth weight. “So if a certain baby was born, after a 38-week gestational period, and his measured weight was below the 10th percentile, he can be considered small for gestational age,” she says.

Source: Terra

Ben

Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.