From the Guidelines
Babies typically grow approximately 250 grams every two weeks after 36 weeks of gestation, but this rate can vary based on several factors including maternal nutrition, placental function, and genetic factors. The growth rate during the final weeks of pregnancy is crucial as babies are primarily adding fat stores which help with temperature regulation after birth and provide energy reserves.
Factors Influencing Growth Rate
- Maternal nutrition: Adequate nutrition is essential for fetal growth and development.
- Placental function: The placenta plays a critical role in providing oxygen and nutrients to the fetus.
- Genetic factors: Genetic factors can influence fetal growth and development.
Monitoring Fetal Growth
Healthcare providers monitor fetal growth through measurements of fundal height (the distance from the pubic bone to the top of the uterus) during prenatal visits and sometimes through ultrasound examinations 1. This expected growth pattern is one reason why regular prenatal care is important in the final weeks of pregnancy, as significant deviations from the expected growth rate might indicate issues that require medical attention.
Importance of Regular Prenatal Care
Regular prenatal care is essential for monitoring fetal growth and detecting any potential issues early on. According to the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, regular assessment of fetal biometry, evaluation of amniotic fluid volume, and fetal Doppler waveform analysis should be performed at the first diagnosis of preeclampsia 1.
Growth Restriction
Fetal growth restriction (FGR) is a condition where the fetus does not grow at a normal rate inside the womb. The Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine recommends that FGR be defined as an ultrasonographic estimated fetal weight or abdominal circumference below the 10th percentile for gestational age 1.
Recommendations for Fetal Growth Restriction
The American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology recommends delivery at 37 weeks of gestation in pregnancies with FGR and an umbilical artery Doppler waveform with decreased diastolic flow but without absent/reversed end-diastolic velocity or with severe FGR with estimated fetal weight less than the third percentile 1.
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From the Research
Fetal Growth Rates
- The provided studies do not directly address the question of whether babies grow approximately 250 grams every two weeks after 36 weeks of gestation 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- However, the studies discuss the importance of monitoring fetal growth and the challenges of defining normal and abnormal fetal growth 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- Some studies suggest that ultrasound screenings at 32 and 36 weeks of gestation can help detect fetal growth restriction and small-for-gestational-age neonates 4, 5.
- The diagnostic performance of ultrasound screenings at 32 and 36 weeks of gestation is compared in some studies, with results indicating that 36-week screenings may be more effective in detecting fetal growth restriction and small-for-gestational-age neonates 4, 5.
Ultrasound Screenings
- Ultrasound screenings at 32 and 36 weeks of gestation are used to detect fetal growth restriction and small-for-gestational-age neonates 4, 5.
- The studies suggest that these screenings can help identify pregnancies at risk of adverse outcomes, such as fetal growth restriction and small-for-gestational-age neonates 2, 3, 4, 5.
- However, the studies do not provide information on the specific growth rate of babies after 36 weeks of gestation.
Fetal Growth Restriction
- Fetal growth restriction is a major determinant of perinatal morbidity and mortality 2.
- The studies discuss the challenges of defining and detecting fetal growth restriction, and the importance of monitoring fetal growth to identify pregnancies at risk of adverse outcomes 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- However, the studies do not provide information on the specific growth rate of babies after 36 weeks of gestation.