Growth Charts - Introduction

GROW (Gestation Related Optimal Weight) is the software used to generate a customised antenatal growth chart. The chart is based on the calculation of an individualised weight standard for the duration of the pregnancy, adjusted for the physiological variables of maternal height, weight in early pregnancy, parity and ethnic group.

After the maternal and pregnancy details (including expected date of delivery) are entered into the software, the chart can be printed out and attached to the maternity record. The Perinatal Institute has developed hand held Pregnancy Notes (www.preg.info) with an adhesive strip for the charts and explanation of their use for fetal growth assessment.

The charts can be used for plotting fundal height and estimated fetal weight, and assessed against the individually predicted or 'customised' standard.

For details on the evidence for customised growth charts, see Literature.