Growth Profile by Estimated Fetal Weights in Bangladesh

PurposeEstimated fetal weight (EFW) is one of the most important parameters for assessing fetal growth and development. If we use tables based on our own population, growth assessment will be more accurate. A nomogram of EFWs of Bangladeshi population is prepared in this study.Participants and methodsThis is a prospective, cross-sectional study conducted on well-dated, singleton fetuses. Previously established nomograms produced on Caucasian and other populations were compared with the data (obtained by regression analysis) obtained from this study.ResultsFetal charts of EFWs were constructed from 1223 participants. Percentiles, means, and standard deviations (SDs) were derived. The model showed a good fit to the data. There was a gradual increase of the EFWs. The increase of EFWs at 3rd, 10th, 50th, 90th, and 97th percentiles was slow up to the 26th week of gestation, following which a linear growth rate was observed up to term. SDs gradually increased towards term.ConclusionThe findings suggest that this chart is exclusive for Bangladeshi population and can be useful for accurate assessment of fetal growth and development, especially in the third trimester. It can also be used for better assessment of fetal growth of other South Asian population with similar stature