What is the Fleischer fetal curve used for in monitoring fetal growth and development during pregnancy?

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Fleischer Fetal Growth Curve

I cannot provide specific information about a "Fleischer fetal curve" or "Fleicher feto curve" as this term does not appear in the current medical literature or guidelines provided.

What You May Be Looking For: Fetal Growth Curves in General

The evidence supports using population-appropriate fetal biometric growth curves to assess fetal growth, with multiple validated curves available including Hadlock, WHO, and population-specific references. 1

Available Fetal Growth Curves

The most commonly referenced fetal growth curves in clinical practice include:

  • Hadlock curves: Widely used ultrasound-based fetal weight estimation curves, though they may overdiagnose fetal growth restriction (FGR) in certain populations 2
  • WHO fetal growth charts: International reference based on 10 countries, designed for global use 3
  • Population-specific curves: Including Brenner, Williams, Alexander, and Duryea curves for US populations 2, 4

Key Principle for Curve Selection

It is preferable to use the growth curve that most predominantly approximates the population being studied. 1

  • Population-based curves may reduce false-positive FGR diagnoses and unnecessary interventions compared to Hadlock curves 2
  • However, population curves may miss some cases of absent/reversed end-diastolic flow 2

Clinical Application

When assessing fetal growth:

  • Fetal growth restriction is defined as estimated fetal weight (EFW) below the 10th percentile for gestational age 1, 5
  • Serial measurements every 3-4 weeks are more reliable than 2-week intervals due to inherent measurement error 1, 5
  • Growth velocity matters: A fetus following a curve parallel to normal growth curves indicates appropriate growth, regardless of assigned percentile 6

Common Pitfall

The term "Fleischer" may be confused with other obstetric ultrasound references, but no standardized "Fleischer fetal curve" exists in current obstetric practice guidelines or literature.

References

Guideline

Guideline Directed Topic Overview

Dr.Oracle Medical Advisory Board & Editors, 2025

Research

Comparing Diagnosis of Fetal Growth Restriction and the Potential Impact on Management and Outcomes Using Different Growth Curves.

Journal of ultrasound in medicine : official journal of the American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine, 2019

Research

A United States national reference for fetal growth.

Obstetrics and gynecology, 1996

Guideline

Management of Fetal Growth Restriction

Praxis Medical Insights: Practical Summaries of Clinical Guidelines, 2025

Research

Trouble With the Curve: Pearls and Pitfalls in the Evaluation of Fetal Growth.

Journal of ultrasound in medicine : official journal of the American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine, 2020

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

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