Early-onset fetal growth restriction defined by only abdominal circumference is associated with perinatal mortality

Abstract

SMFM recently expanded the definition of fetal growth restriction (FGR) to include abdominal circumference < 10th centile (%) as a diagnostic criterion in addition to the classic criterion of estimated fetal weight (EFW) < 10%. The broader definition is associated with improved detection of small for gestational age (SGA) neonates. Early-onset FGR diagnosed based on EFW alone prior to 32 estimated gestational age (EGA) is associated with increased risk of perinatal death. Among fetuses with normal EFW, we aimed to determine whether early-onset FGR diagnosed based on AC alone is associated with increased risks of adverse neonatal outcomes.