Maternal Rest Improves Fetal Growth in Small-For-Gestational Age and Growth Restricted Fetuses Defined by the Delphi Consensus Protocol.

Publication Title

Journal of clinical ultrasound : JCU

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

6-1-2025

Keywords

california

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: The objective was to determine if maternal rest in the left lateral recumbent position increases the estimated fetal weight (EFW) in fetuses classified by the Delphi consensus as growth restricted (FGR) or small-for-gestational age (SGA).

STUDY DESIGN: This was a retrospective observational study of 265 fetuses classified as FGR or SGA using the Delphi consensus. After the diagnosis of FGR or SGA, the patient was asked to begin resting in the left lateral recumbent position during her waking hours for 2 weeks. The EFW was measured 2 weeks following maternal rest.

RESULTS: Of the 265 fetuses, FGR was identified in 56% (148/265) and SGA in 44% (117/265). Following maternal rest, the median values for the EFW percentile were significantly greater than at the time of diagnosis of FGR (18 vs. 5.96) and SGA (19 vs. 7.39). Following maternal rest, the EFW increased from <  10th percentile (100%) to greater than the 10th percentile in 70% of FGR and 82% of SGA fetuses.

CONCLUSIONS: Fetuses with growth restriction or who were small-for-gestational age significantly increased their weight from below to above the 10th percentile following 2 weeks of maternal rest.

Area of Special Interest

Women & Children

Specialty/Research Institute

Perinatology/Neonatology

Specialty/Research Institute

Pediatrics

Specialty/Research Institute

Obstetrics & Gynecology

DOI

10.1002/jcu.23980

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