Fetal Size and Pregnancy Duration
Author Information
Author(s): Johnsen Synnøve L, Wilsgaard Tom, Rasmussen Svein, Hanson Mark A, Godfrey Keith M, Kiserud Torvid
Primary Institution: Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
Hypothesis
In low-risk pregnancies, fetal growth in the second trimester is a determinant for pregnancy duration, with slower growing fetuses having longer pregnancies.
Conclusion
Small fetuses in the second trimester have lower birth weights and longer pregnancies compared to larger fetuses.
Supporting Evidence
- Small fetuses had longer pregnancies compared to large fetuses.
- The study included 541 women with spontaneous deliveries.
- Ultrasound measurements were used to assess fetal size.
Takeaway
If a baby is smaller than expected during pregnancy, it might take longer for the baby to be born.
Methodology
The study analyzed gestation data from 541 women with spontaneous deliveries, using ultrasound to measure fetal size and calculating pregnancy duration from the last menstrual period.
Potential Biases
There is a risk of bias in ultrasound dating affecting gestational age assessment.
Limitations
The study only included low-risk pregnancies and may not apply to higher-risk populations.
Participant Demographics
The study included healthy women with regular menstrual cycles and no history of complications in previous pregnancies.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.004
Confidence Interval
95% CI 288.0 to 291.1
Statistical Significance
p<0.0001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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