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PubMed · 3511646

Assessing gestational age.

G N Smith·K A Frey·T R Johnson
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Abstract

Decision making in obstetrics is based on accurate knowledge of fetal gestational age. Menstrual dating based on the last menstrual period is an accurate method for estimating gestational age. Other reliable indicators are fundal height, quickening, the date that the fundus reaches the umbilicus and the date that fetal heart tones are first auscultated. Combinations of these data approach the reliability of menstrual dating. Biochemical assays are useful in early pregnancy. Ultrasound is indispensable when the clinical situation is questionable.

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Chorionic GonadotropinEmbryonic and Fetal DevelopmentFemaleFetal HeartFetal Organ MaturityGestational AgeHeart RateHumansMenstruationPregnancyUltrasonographyUterusJournal Article

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G N Smith, K A Frey, T R Johnson. 1986. Assessing gestational age.. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/3511646/

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Elevated second trimester maternal serum beta-HCG concentrations and subsequent adverse pregnancy outcome.

Previous studies have found an association between elevated second trimester maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein (MS-AFP), in the absence of fetal anomalies, and adverse pregnancy outcome. We studied the association between elevated second trimester maternal serum beta-HCG, now also routinely measured by prenatal screening programs, and adverse pregnancy outcome by reviewing retrospectively the pregnancy outcomes among women with markedly elevated midtrimester beta-HCG in our prenatal screening program. Seven (0.23%) of 3,000 consecutively screened women had a serum beta-HCG above 5 MOM. Four (57%) of these 7 women had an adverse pregnancy outcome including severe preeclampsia (n = 2), abruptio placentae (n = 1), or preterm labor (n = 1). A concurrently elevated MS-AFP was found in only one of these 4 patients. Elevated mid-trimester maternal serum beta-HCG may be an independent risk factor for subsequent adverse pregnancy outcomes.

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