Abstract Objective To investigate the potential value of serum placental growth factor ( PlGF ), soluble fms‐like tyrosine kinase‐1 ( sFlt ‐1), pregnancy‐associated plasma protein‐A ( PAPP ‐A), free β‐human chorionic gonadotropin (β‐ hCG ) and α‐fetoprotein ( AFP ) at 30–34 weeks' gestation in the prediction of delivery of small‐for‐gestational‐age ( SGA ) neonates, in the absence of pre‐eclampsia ( PE ). Methods This was a screening study in singleton pregnancies at 30–34 weeks' gestation, including 490 that delivered SGA neonates and 9360 cases that were unaffected by SGA , PE or gestational hypertension (normal outcome). Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to determine if screening by serum PlGF , sFlt ‐1, PAPP ‐A, free β‐ hCG and AFP , individually or in combination, improved the prediction of SGA neonates provided by screening with maternal characteristics and medical history (maternal factors), and estimated fetal weight ( EFW ) from fetal head circumference, abdominal circumference and femur length. Results Compared to the normal group, the mean log 10 multiples of the median ( MoM ) values of PlGF and AFP were significantly lower and the mean log 10 MoM values of sFlt ‐1 and free β‐ hCG were significantly higher in the SGA group with a birth weight < 5 th percentile ( SGA < 5 th ) delivering < 5 weeks following assessment. The best model for prediction of SGA was provided by a combination of maternal factors, EFW and serum PlGF . Such combined screening, predicted, at a 10% false‐positive rate, 85%, 93% and 92% of SGA neonates delivering < 5 weeks following assessment with birth weight < 10 th , < 5 th and < 3 rd percentiles, respectively; the respective detection rates of combined screening for SGA neonates delivering ≥ 5 weeks following assessment were 57%, 64% and 71%. Conclusion Combined screening by maternal factors, EFW and serum PlGF at 30–34 weeks' gestation can identify a high proportion of pregnancies that subsequently deliver SGA neonates. Copyright © 2015 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.