What indicates normal growth in a fetus?

The indicator of normal growth in a fetus is the estimated fetal weight (EFW) falling between the 10th and 90th percentiles. This range suggests that the fetus is growing within an acceptable and healthy range compared to the normative data established for fetal growth. When the EFW is within these percentiles, it typically means that the fetus is developing properly, in accordance with gestational age, and aligns with expected growth patterns.

While monthly growth measurements, consistent fetal movements, and yolk sac visibility can provide important information about fetal health and development, they do not directly indicate growth parameters or whether the fetus is within a normal range for its stage of development. For example, while fetal movements are a good sign of fetal well-being, they do not measure growth per se. Similarly, yolk sac visibility is pertinent to early pregnancy and early healthy development, particularly in the first trimester, but it is not a measure of fetal growth during later stages.

Thus, the EFW percentile range is a more definitive and standard measure used in obstetric ultrasound to evaluate and monitor fetal growth.