Small‐for‐gestational‐age babies after 37 weeks: impact study of risk‐stratification protocol

ABSTRACT Objective Although no clear evidence exists, many international guidelines advocate early‐term delivery of small‐for‐gestational‐age (SGA) fetuses. The aim of this study was to determine whether a risk‐stratification protocol in which low‐risk SGA fetuses are managed expectantly beyond 37 weeks affects perinatal and maternal outcomes. Methods This was an impact study examining data collected over a 39‐month period (1 January 2013 to 30 April 2016) at a tertiary referral unit. The study included women who were referred to the fetal medicine unit with a singleton non‐anomalous fetus diagnosed antenatally as SGA (estimated fetal weight < 10 th centile) from 36 + 0 weeks' gestation. In 2014, a protocol for management of SGA was introduced, which included risk stratification with surveillance and expectant management after 37 weeks for lower‐risk babies (protocol group). This was compared with the previous strategy, which recommended delivery at around 37 weeks (pre‐protocol group). Primary outcome was neonatal composite adverse outcome. Results In the pre‐protocol group, there were 138 SGA babies; in the protocol group there were 143. Mean gestational ages at delivery were 37.4 weeks in the pre‐protocol group and 38.2 weeks in the protocol group ( P = 0.04). The incidence of neonatal composite adverse outcome was lower in the protocol group (9% vs 22%; P < 0.01), as was neonatal unit admission (13% vs 39%; P < 0.01). Induction of labor and Cesarean section rates were lower, and vaginal delivery rate (83% vs 60%; P < 0.01) was higher, in the protocol group. Most of the differences were as a result of delayed delivery of SGA babies that were stratified as low risk. Conclusions The findings of this study suggest that protocol‐based management of SGA babies may improve outcome, and that identification of moderate SGA should not in isolation prompt delivery. Larger numbers are required to assess any impact on perinatal mortality. Copyright © 2017 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.