RESUMEN
OBJECTIVE: To determine the normal values of the deepest vertical amniotic fluid pocket (DVP) in term pregnancies and whether a similar relationship to birth weight (BW) exists. STUDY DESIGN: Two hundred thirty-one term patients (37-42 weeks) with intact membranes and a normal amniotic fluid index (AFI) were included. DVP was identified and compared to BW, BW > 4,000 g (large for gestational age [LGA]) and BW < 2,500 g (small for gestational age [SGA]). Statistical comparisons and linear regression models were made. RESULTS: The mean gestational age was 39.6 weeks, and mean BW 3,284 g. Mean DVP was 4.5 cm. This did not vary significantly by gestational age. A positive linear correlation was observed between DVP and BW. DVP was greater for pregnancies with LGA (5.2 vs. 4.3 cm [P < .003]). No difference was observed for SGA. The relative risk for a fetus > 4,000 g when the DVP was > 6 was 4.0 (1.6-9.5) and 15.8 (1.6-157.6) if maternal diabetes was also present. No difference was determined for SGA using a DVP < 2. CONCLUSION: Higher DVP is associated with delivery of an LGA infant, particularly in diabetic women.