Comparison of umbilical coiling index in term pregnancies with and without fetal growth restriction

Abstract

Aim: To investigate pregnancies with and without fetal growth restriction, giving birth after 37 weeks of gestation in terms of umbilical coiling index and neonatal outcomes.

Materials and Methods: Twenty-nine patients with fetal growth restriction and 46 patients who have normal pregnancy and delivered after the 37^th week of gestation were recruited in this study. The umbilical coiling index was measured by ultrasound, following the patients who were hospitalized for delivery.

Results: There were statistically significant differences between the groups regarding to umbilical artery pulsatility index, gestational age at delivery and birth weight of the newborn. The need for a cesarean section because of non-reassuring fetal condition was statistically significantly higher in the fetal growth restriction group. The mean antenatal umbilical coiling index in fetal growth restriction and control patients was 0.29±0.08 and 0.27±0.08, respectively and the difference was not statistically significant.

Conclusion: There was no statistically significant difference between the patients diagnosed with and without fetal growth restriction who delivered after the 37^th gestational week, regarding the umbilical coiling index and perinatal outcomes, except umbilical artery pulsatility index, gestational age at birth and birth weight of the newborn.