Accelerated fetal growth velocity across the third trimester is associated with increased shoulder dystocia risk among fetuses who are not large-for-gestational-age: A prospective observational cohort study

Abstract

Objective: To investigate whether fetuses with accelerated third trimester growth velocity are at increased risk of shoulder dystocia, even when they are not large-for-gestational-age (LGA; estimated fetal weight (EFW) >95th centile).

Methods: Fetal growth velocity and birth outcome data were prospectively collected from 347 nulliparous women. Each had blinded ultrasound biometry performed at 28 and 36 weeks' gestation. Change in EFW and abdominal circumference (AC) centiles between 28-36 weeks were calculated, standardised over exactly eight weeks. We examined the odds of shoulder dystocia with increasing EFW and AC growth velocities among women with 36-week EFW ≤95th centile (non-LGA), who went on to have a vaginal birth. We then examined the relative risk (RR) of shoulder dystocia in cases of accelerated EFW and AC growth velocities (>30 centiles gained). Finally, we compared the predictive performances of accelerated fetal growth velocities to 36-week EFW >95th centile for shoulder dystocia among the cohort planned for vaginal birth.

Results: Of the 226 participants who had EFW ≤95th centile at 36-week ultrasound and birthed vaginally, six (2.7%) had shoulder dystocia. For each one centile increase in EFW between 28-36 weeks, the odds of shoulder dystocia increased by 8% (odds ratio (OR [95% Confidence Interval (CI)]) = 1.08 [1.04-1.12], p<0.001). For each one centile increase in AC between 28-36 weeks, the odds of shoulder dystocia increased by 9% (OR[95%CI] = 1.09 [1.05-1.12], p<0.001). When compared to the rest of the cohort with normal growth velocity, accelerated EFW and AC velocities were associated with increased relative risks of shoulder dystocia (RR[95%CI] = 7.3 [1.9-20.6], p = 0.03 and 4.8 [1.7-9.4], p = 0.02 respectively). Accelerated EFW or AC velocities predicted shoulder dystocia with higher sensitivity and positive predictive value than 36-week EFW >95th centile.

Conclusions: Accelerated fetal growth velocities between 28-36 weeks' gestation are associated with increased risk of shoulder dystocia, and may predict shoulder dystocia risk better than the commonly used threshold of 36-week EFW >95th centile.

Fig 1. Study profile.