title: [Surveillance of fetal growth].
abstract: While clinical methods are sufficient to evaluate normal foetal growth, ultrasonography is indispensable in pathological situations. A knowledge of foetal growth is useful mainly in the 3rd trimestre of pregnancy, when the gestational age can no longer be determined. Growth is evaluated from abdominal parameters, especially perimeters. Disturbance in the development of cranial perimeter means that the brain protection mechanisms are overcome. At the moment, Doppler velocimetry cannot lead to a decision, but it provides valuable information on the perinatal prognosis. Ultrasonography is an accessory decisive factor in matters of stunted foetal growth. Cardiotocography provides instantaneous data to be used in emergencies, but ultrasonography and Doppler ultrasound provide information for long-term use. Despite the accessory position of ultrasonography as a decision-making examination, no one today would consider doing without it when monitoring foetal growth. Hence the necessity to determine exactly when and how should be obtained the data that make ultrasonography so valuable for this purpose.
authors.forename: I
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Nisand
mesh_terms: D005314:Embryonic and Fetal Development; D005260:Female; D005317:Fetal Growth Retardation / Q000175:diagnosis; D005323:Fetal Monitoring; D006801:Humans; D011247:Pregnancy; D014463:Ultrasonography
vernacular_title: Surveillance de la croissance foetale.