Ultrasound of small head, should mothers be worried?

This is an automatically translated article.

The article is professionally consulted by Master, Doctor Ly Thi Thanh Nha - Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology - Vinmec International General Hospital Da Nang. Doctor Nha has strengths and experience in fetal malformation ultrasound, 3D, 4D fetal ultrasound.
Although it is a rare condition, once a child has microcephaly, it will affect the future development of the child. Microcephaly ultrasound can be detected in the last months of pregnancy, pregnant women should perform periodic ultrasound for timely treatment.

1. What is the biparietal diameter?

Biparietal diameter (BPD), also known as head circumference, is the cross-sectional diameter of the fetal skull, extending from the forehead to the back of the neck. The biparietal diameter index helps estimate weight, growth, and gestational age. This index will be measured by the doctor when the fetus is at 13 - 20 weeks to get the most accurate results. From the 26th week of pregnancy onwards, the BPD index can be wrong up to 3 weeks.
In case of normal fetal development, the biparietal diameter at birth will reach about 88-100mm and average 94mm. If the biparietal diameter is too large, the doctor will appoint the pregnant woman to give birth by cesarean section, if the biparietal diameter is small, the fetus may have a growth retardation.

2. What does microcephaly ultrasound mean?

By means of fetal ultrasound, obstetricians and gynecologists can accurately measure biparietal diameter to estimate gestational age, assess fetal development, and thereby calculate due date for pregnant women.
In case the BPD index when ultrasound is less than the standard limit, the doctor will notify the mother of the ultrasound results of the microcephaly.
There are many causes leading to ultrasound results of microcephaly, which may be:
Fetal trauma to the brain during pregnancy/birth due to anemia-hypoxia, trauma... Stick skull joints: If the fetal skull bones fuse too soon, it can also lead to microcephaly ultrasound results. Thai is severely malnourished. Inflammation in pregnancy: Mother infected with toxoplasmosis, Campylobacter pylori, Rubella, Herpes, syphilis, cytomegalovirus, HIV and Zika... Exposure to toxic chemicals: Heavy metals such as arsenic, mercury, alcohol, radioactive substances Radiation, cigarette smoke....can affect the pregnant woman's body and cause the fetus to have a small head. Genetic abnormalities: If the fetus has Down syndrome, there is an increased risk of microcephaly.

3. Is microcephaly ultrasound dangerous?

Although not all microcephaly ultrasound results have negative effects on the fetus, however, pregnant women should also periodically follow the doctor's schedule for timely treatment.
Ultrasound of microcephaly will be assessed as dangerous if the size of the biparietal diameter of the fetus is less than 2 standard deviations, this may be a sign that the fetus is at risk of having flat heads, defects. microcephaly, growth retardation or instability in utero.
Usually, when having an ultrasound of the fetus with microcephaly, the doctor will ask the pregnant woman to conduct some more tests, to check more deeply, in combination with monitoring the BPD index in the following weeks of pregnancy to be able to determine the cause and condition that the fetus is experiencing.
If the fetus has abnormal head circumference problems that can affect the development of the nervous system, the baby may have neurological sequels, growth retardation, poor resistance... after born. However, there are also many cases of microcephaly ultrasound still developing healthy after birth. Therefore, instead of being too stressed, pregnant women should keep their mind comfortable and eat and rest in moderation to help a healthy pregnancy.

4. What should the mother do with a small head ultrasound?

In the case of microcephaly ultrasound, in addition to closely monitoring the pregnancy, pregnant women need to plan a scientific and varied diet, should supplement:
Folic acid: Found in many types of milk, potatoes, Broccoli, egg yolks, whole grains, these are nutrients that play an important role in cell production, formation and development of the fetal nervous system. Choline: This is a nutrient capable of maintaining brain cell function, promoting the development of fetal nerve cells. Adequate supplementation will help support postpartum brain development and good memory, choline is abundant in fresh foods such as cauliflower, poultry, liver, salmon, eggs, .. DHA: DHA needs to be supplemented during pregnancy, especially in the first trimester, adequate supplementation will help the fetus develop well in terms of vision, nerve cells, thereby enhancing development. brain, while limiting possible congenital brain defects. Microcephaly ultrasound can be detected at 12 or 13 weeks of pregnancy, in case you get this result, please consult your doctor about the cause, the current condition of the fetus to have a plan. Plan appropriate care, perform regular antenatal check-ups in the following weeks to accurately monitor the health status of the fetus, as well as take timely interventions (if necessary).

The second trimester of pregnancy is a period of strong fetal development. Pregnant women need:
Comprehensive fetal malformation screening by superior 4D ultrasound technique. Screening for gestational diabetes, avoiding many dangerous complications for both mother and baby. Control the mother's weight reasonably to assess the health status of the pregnant woman and the development of the fetus. Understand the signs of threatened early delivery (especially in those carrying multiple pregnancies or having a history of miscarriage or premature birth) so that they can receive timely treatment to maintain pregnancy. To protect mother and baby during pregnancy, Vinmec provides a comprehensive Maternity service to monitor the health status of mother and baby, periodical antenatal check-ups with leading Obstetricians and Gynecologists. enough tests, important screening for pregnant women, counseling and timely intervention when detecting abnormalities in the health of mother and baby.
For detailed information about all-inclusive maternity packages, please contact the hospitals and clinics of the Vinmec health system nationwide.

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