Customised fetal growth chart: a systematic review.

Customised fetal growth chart is used to individualise fetal weight for gestational age by adjusting for physiological variables known to affect birth weight and growth. Compared with the standard population-based growth chart, the customised growth chart allows for better distinction between normal and abnormal smallness and reduces the false positive and false negative diagnosis of fetal growth restriction. The charts are currently being introduced into clinical practice in the West Midlands as well as in several units around the country. A Medline and systematic review search from 1980 to 2004 was performed in order to collect information and evidence on the use of customised growth chart and its effect on perinatal outcome.