A mathematical analysis of human embryonic and fetal growth data.

There is no set of growth data from a single source for the human embryo/fetus which spans the full range of pregnancy. For mathematical and statistical analysis of the full gestational period, it was necessary to pool data from several sources. Three growth equations, which have been reported in the literature for various purposes, were tested and compared for possible use as a tool to describe the growth of the human embryo/fetus. Parameters were estimated using statistical procedures on the pooled data for the Verhulst logistic equation, a polynomial equation, and the Gompertz equation. The polynomial and Gompertz equations provided the best fit for the growth of the normal human embryo/fetus over the broadest range of 25 to 300 days, and especially in the critical period of development (gestational days 40 to 70). The relative rate of growth of the embryo/fetus was about 15% per day on the 25th day and declined progressively thereafter; the absolute rate of growth was the greatest at about the 240th day.