ABSTRACT
Fetal compromise A chronic situation arising from suboptimal conditions for growth and neurological development
Small for dates The fetus or infant is below the 10th centile for estimated fetal weight or post-natal birthweight
Intra-uterine growth restriction Failure of the fetus to reach its expected growth potential
Symmetrical growth restriction Fetal head and abdomen circumference are proportionally small
Asymmetrical growth restriction The fetal head circumference is large compared with the abdominal circumference. The result of placental insufficiency
ULTRASOUND
= Procedure: = measurement of the fetal abdomen and head circumference after the
first trimester. = Interpretation of results:
= the rate of growth is calculated from serial scans performed at least 2 weeks apart;
= growth restriction is identified as symmetrical or asymmetrical. = Advantages:
= ultrasound is safe and can confirm consistent growth. = Disadvantages:
= operator inaccuracies can occur.
