NHS fetal growth charts often fail to spot at-risk babies, research finds

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By Olivia Bowthorpe

One-size-fits-all fetal growth charts used in the NHS “systematically fail’ to identify fetuses which are either too small or too large, according to a large study in England.

NHS maternity services use a range of different charts which vary significantly in the proportion of fetuses they identify as being at risk of accelerated or restricted growth, researchers found.

Not identifying the correct fetuses can lead to missed cases at risk of stillbirth or unnecessary interventions, the BMJ study said.

Researchers said that national guidance is needed to standardise charts used for fetal growth assessment on the NHS.

Using personalised charts that take account of the mother’s characteristics, rather than one-size-fits-all charts, may improve care, the team added.

“England should adopt a coherent national programme to ensure more consistent identification and management of fetal growth restriction,” said lead researcher Jason Gardosi, professor of maternal and perinatal health, University of Warwick Medical School.