Weekly and 2‐week Doppler investigations to avoid misunderstanding compromised fetal conditions? SGA fetuses management in our experience

Abstract

Fetal surveillance in adequate for gestational age (AGA) and small for gestational age (SGA) allows to predict distress conditions and improve neonatal outcome. Doppler velocimetry (DV), fetal heart rate monitoring (CTG), biophysical profile with amniotic fluid index, are the common tools used to have fetal direct–indirect signs of well‐being. Several clinical studies stressed DV and CTG‐like reliable evidences of fetal conditions, despite their known limitations, connected with gestational age and compensatory mechanisms. In order to establish the best follow up time for fetal health, we analyzed two different groups of 20 non‐selected pregnant women with SGA 10–30 percentile. Intrauterine growth retardation were excluded for different role of DV in prediction and screening in placental disorders. From January to July 2001 we observed our two groups divided by maternal history; women were homogeneous for age and weight, with SGA.