The article has been reviewed by a specialist doctor from the Obstetrics and Gynecology Department at Vinmec Hai Phong International General Hospital.
At 37 weeks of pregnancy, the time for labor is approaching, so expectant mothers should pay close attention to both the changes in their body and the development of their baby. One of the important ultrasound markers for fetal morphology at 37 weeks is the length of the fetal femur.
1. Fetal femur length
Femur length (FL) is one of the six important fetal measurements that expectant mothers should be aware of at 37 weeks (the other five measurements include biparietal diameter, weight, head circumference, abdominal circumference, and the ratio of head-to-foot length of the baby).
The fetal femur length is first measured starting from the 14th week of pregnancy and is consistently monitored during subsequent check-ups. In addition to assessing fetal development, femur length also plays a role in detecting Down syndrome in the fetus.
2. Standard Fetal Femur Length at 37 Weeks
Week 37 is the time when labor is approaching, so special attention should be given to the measurements, particularly the femur length of the baby. Below is the standard femur length (FL) for a normally developing baby at 37 weeks, with a 6-day margin:
- FL at 37+0: 66-67mm, average 70mm
- FL at 37+1: 66-67mm, average 70mm
- FL at 37+2: 66-80mm, average 70mm
- FL at 37+3: 66-80mm, average 71mm
- FL at 37+4: 66-80mm, average 71mm
- FL at 37+5: 67-80mm, average 71mm
- FL at 37+6: 67-81mm, average 71mm
For a healthy pregnancy, expectant mothers should establish a proper nutrition plan, eating scientifically to ensure that they do not gain too much or too little weight, while still providing sufficient nutrients for the baby.
Trắc nghiệm: Tìm hiểu về tình trạng tê tay khi mang thai tháng cuối
Bà bầu bị tê chân tay thường không phải vấn đề nghiêm trọng đối với sức khỏe nhưng ảnh hưởng khá nhiều đến cuộc sống hàng ngày. Bài trắc nghiệm sau sẽ phần nào giúp mẹ bầu nhận biết cũng như có hướng xử trí thích hợp khi gặp phải tình trạng này.3. Causes of Short Femur Length
If the fetal femur length is shorter than the standard, mothers should not be overly concerned, as discrepancies can occur depending on the position chosen by the person measuring.
However, if the femur length is significantly shorter than the acceptable range, other possible causes should be considered:
3.1 Cerebellar Hypoplasia in the Fetus
This condition may occur if the expectant mother experiences unusual abdominal pain. In such cases, it is important to quickly visit a reputable hospital or medical facility for examination.
3.2 Genetic Factors
Genetic factors can also affect the fetal femur length. Experts suggest that these factors influence both the femur length of the baby and the child's height later in life.
3.3 Nutritional Issues
Calcium deficiency can impact the femur length of the baby. Therefore, expectant mothers should ensure they are getting an adequate and appropriate amount of calcium to promote optimal development for the baby.
To ensure the baby develops well, particularly to avoid discrepancies in femur length compared to the standard, mothers should maintain a balanced diet and rest regimen, as well as regularly monitor fetal development to make any necessary adjustments.
Fetal weight by week is a reference measure that allows pregnant women to track their baby's development in the womb, especially at key milestones such as fetal weight at 32 weeks or 37 weeks. This helps guide adjustments to lifestyle and exercise routines.
To understand how the baby is developing, expectant mothers can refer to the following video on fetal weight by week:
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