Maternal Rest Improves Fetal Growth in Small-For-Gestational Age and Growth Restricted Fetuses Defined by the Delphi Consensus Protocol.

OBJECTIVE

The objective was to determine if maternal rest in the left lateral recumbent position increases the estimated fetal weight (EFW) in fetuses classified by the Delphi consensus as growth restricted (FGR) or small-for-gestational age (SGA).

STUDY DESIGN

This was a retrospective observational study of 265 fetuses classified as FGR or SGA using the Delphi consensus. After the diagnosis of FGR or SGA, the patient was asked to begin resting in the left lateral recumbent position during her waking hours for 2 weeks. The EFW was measured 2 weeks following maternal rest.

RESULTS

Of the 265 fetuses, FGR was identified in 56% (148/265) and SGA in 44% (117/265). Following maternal rest, the median values for the EFW percentile were significantly greater than at the time of diagnosis of FGR (18 vs. 5.96) and SGA (19 vs. 7.39). Following maternal rest, the EFW increased from < 10th percentile (100%) to greater than the 10th percentile in 70% of FGR and 82% of SGA fetuses.

CONCLUSIONS

Fetuses with growth restriction or who were small-for-gestational age significantly increased their weight from below to above the 10th percentile following 2 weeks of maternal rest.