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. 2014 Aug;27(12):1228-31.
doi: 10.3109/14767058.2013.852171. Epub 2013 Nov 11.

Association of third-trimester abdominal circumference with provider-initiated preterm delivery

Leah K Hawkins  1 , William T Schnettler, Anna M Modest, Michele R Hacker, Diana Rodriguez
Affiliations

Association of third-trimester abdominal circumference with provider-initiated preterm delivery

Leah K Hawkins et al. J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med. 2014 Aug.

Abstract

Objective: Evaluate the association of a small third-trimester abdominal circumference (AC < 10th percentile) in the setting of a normal estimated fetal weight (EFW ≥ 10th percentile) with gestational age at delivery, indication for delivery and neonatal outcomes.

Methods: Retrospective cohort study at an academic hospital of women with singleton pregnancy seen for ultrasound from 28+0-33+6 weeks of gestation during 2009-2011. Outcomes were compared between two groups: normal AC (AC and EFW ≥ 10th percentile) and small AC (AC < 10th percentile and EFW ≥ 10th percentile).

Results: Among 592 pregnancies, fetuses in the small AC group (n = 55) experienced a higher incidence of overall preterm delivery (RR: 2.2, 95% CI: 1.3-3.7) and provider-initiated preterm delivery (RR: 3.7, CI: 1.8-7.5) compared to those in the normal AC group (n = 537). Neonates in the small AC group had a lower median birth weight whether delivered at term (p < 0.001) or preterm (p = 0.04), but were not more likely to experience intensive care unit admission or respiratory distress syndrome (all p ≥ 0.35).

Conclusions: Small AC, even in the setting of an EFW ≥ 10th percentile, was associated with a higher incidence of overall and provider-initiated preterm delivery despite similar neonatal outcomes. Further investigation is warranted to determine whether these preterm deliveries could be prevented.

Keywords: Abdominal circumference; fetal surveillance; obstetrics; preterm delivery; third-trimester ultrasound.

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Conflict of interest statement

Declaration of interest

The other authors report no declarations of interest.

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