The Findings of Color Doppler Ultrasound in AGA Fetuses in the Third Trimester with a Drop of Two Standard Deviations of Estimated Fetal Weight in Pregnant Women

BACKGROUND: Detection of fetal growth restriction (FGR) in appropriate for gestational age (AGA) fetuses has not been comprehensively assessed. This study aim was to evaluate the findings of Doppler ultrasound in AGA fetuses who had a drop of two standard deviations from the estimated fetal weight index (EFW) in the third trimester. METHODS: In this descriptive cross-sectional study, all pregnant women referred to perinatology wards for routine screening in pregnancy with AGA fetuses that have more than 20% drop in the weight percentile in the third trimester of pregnancy were included to the study. After registering the information related to Doppler ultrasound and their demographic characteristics, the patients were followed up, and the information related to the delivery outcome was also recorded. RESULTS: 74% of the cases had more than 20% drop in the weight percentile. For both categories of weight change, the percentiles of PI-UA, PI-MCA, and CPR were 90%, 50% and 25%, respectively. Results showed the significant difference in the CPR in two groups including aspirin consumption and no taking it (1.93 ± 0.35 vs. 1.66 ± 0.43, P = 0.018). CONCLUSION: The color Doppler ultrasound findings can help in better detection of AGA fetuses at risk would enable enhanced surveillance of these cases, and reduction their stillbirth risk.