Mathematical modeling of fetal growth: V. Fetal weight changes at term.

Fetal growth after 37 weeks menstrual age was investigated by comparing ultrasound estimates of fetal weight with corresponding weights of newborns. Using a weight estimation equation with minimal systematic error, evidence was found that fetuses delivered at term do not increase in weight the last two weeks before delivery. This change in fetal growth is regarded as a biological process that is needed to prepare the fetus for its life after birth. Only one of three subsets, that of estimated weights below 3000 g, showed significant weight increase after 37 weeks. This subset had, however, on average the longest scan-delivery interval. We conclude that conventional birthweight standards are influenced both by a cessation of fetal growth approximately two weeks before delivery and by an association between fetal size and the duration of gestation.