Fetal Growth Restriction

Publication Date: February 1, 2019
Last Updated: March 14, 2022

Recommendations and Conclusions

The following recommendations and conclusions are based on good and consistent scientific evidence.

  • Umbilical artery Doppler velocimetry used in conjunction with standard fetal surveillance, such as nonstress tests, or biophysical profiles, or both, is associated with improved outcomes in fetuses in which fetal growth restriction has been diagnosed.
  • Antenatal corticosteroids are recommended if delivery is anticipated before 33 6/7 weeks of gestation because they are associated with improved preterm neonatal outcomes. In addition, antenatal corticosteroids are recommended for women in whom delivery is anticipated between 34 0/7 and 36 6/7 weeks of gestation, who are at risk of preterm delivery within 7 days, and who have not received a previous course of antenatal corticosteroids.
  • For cases in which delivery occurs before 32 weeks of gestation, magnesium sulfate should be considered for fetal and neonatal neuroprotection.
  • Nutritional and dietary supplemental strategies for the prevention of fetal growth restriction are not effective and are not recommended.
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Overview

Title

Fetal Growth Restriction

Authoring Organization

American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists