Authors:
Pereira G; Blair E; Lawrence D
Authors notes:
BMC Pediatrics. 2012;12(73):1-8
Keywords:
Optimal birth weight, Pregnancy, Ultrasound, Fetal growth
Abstract
The aim of this study was to validate a model for optimal birth weight derived from neonatal records, and to test the assumption that preterm births may be considered optimally grown if they are not exposed to common factors that perturb fetal growth.
Prior to 30 weeks gestation, the published model yielded systematically lower weights than the model derived from both fetal weight and neonatal weight.
From 30 weeks gestation the two models were indistinguishable.
The model for optimal birth weight was valid for births that have attained at least 30 weeks gestation.
The model derived from both fetal and neonatal weights is recommended prior to this gestation