Does decreased fetal growth estimation, in the appropriate for gestational age range affect delivery outcomes?

Abstract Purpose To study the effect of decreased estimated fetal weight (EFW) percentiles in appropriate for gestational age fetuses. Methods This retrospective cohort study included women who had second and third trimester ultrasound examinations. Delivery and neonatal outcomes of pregnancies with decreased EFW of ≥ 30 percentiles and those without were compared. Deliveries with EFW or birthweight ≤ 10th percentile were excluded. Results Among 1610 deliveries, 57 were in the decreased growth group and 1553 in the control group. Maternal characteristics did not differ between the groups except for higher rate of nulliparity in the decreased growth group. We found similar rates of Category 2 monitoring, cesarean deliveries due to non-reassuring fetal heart rate and adverse neonatal outcomes. Neonatal birthweight was lower in the decreased growth group as compared to controls. Conclusion Appropriate for gestational age fetuses with decreased growth are not at increased risk for adverse outcomes.