Question:
Dear doctor,
I am currently 28 weeks pregnant. I recently had a fetal ultrasound with the following results:
Biparietal diameter: 69mm
Head circumference: 248mm
Femur length: 51mm
Transverse abdominal diameter: 73mm
Abdominal circumference: 230mm
Doctor, could you tell me what normal ultrasound results look like? Thank you.
-Anonymous question
Answer:
Hello,
To answer your question, "What is considered normal for fetal ultrasound results?" here is the explanation:
At 28 weeks of pregnancy, the measurements are:
- Biparietal diameter: 69mm (7th percentile).
- Head circumference: 248mm (10th percentile).
- Femur length: 51mm.
- Transverse abdominal diameter: 73mm.
- Abdominal circumference: 230mm.
Among these measurements, the biparietal diameter is at the 7th percentile, and the head circumference is at the 10th percentile, while the other measurements are within normal limits. If the baby has a small head but the brain structure appears normal, you can rest assured that your baby will still develop healthily.
Among these measurements, the biparietal diameter is at the 7th percentile, the head circumference is at the 10th percentile, and the other measurements are within normal limits. If the fetus has a small head but a normal brain structure, you can rest assured that the baby will still develop healthily.
Additionally, a smaller-than-standard biparietal diameter could be due to the following reasons:
- Incomplete brain development can result in a smaller biparietal diameter. In such cases, the baby may face neurological sequelae after birth, including poor intellectual and physical development, slower growth, and a weaker immune system, making them more susceptible to diseases such as hypertension.
- Flat head syndrome may cause a smaller biparietal diameter. It can lead to torticollis (where the head tilts to one side and the chin tilts to the opposite side), which directly affects the skull and reduces the biparietal diameter. Causes include oligohydramnios (low amniotic fluid levels) and an inadequate maternal diet.
- Microcephaly can also result in a smaller biparietal diameter. It may be caused by genetic factors, structural brain abnormalities, metabolic diseases, or environmental factors. Microcephaly can impact the baby's intellectual and sensory development in the future.
Diagnosing microcephaly requires precise criteria, such as an accurate gestational age and proper head measurement techniques. Doctors may recommend ultrasound and additional tests for a thorough evaluation. Therefore, try not to worry too much. What’s most important is to rest and maintain a balanced, nutritious diet to support the best development for the fetus.
If you have further concerns about fetal ultrasound, you can visit a hospital within the Vinmec Health System for further examination and consultation. Thank you for trusting and sending your question to Vinmec. Wishing you good health.
Best regards!
-Answered by Specialist Level I Nguyen Thi Mai - Department of Diagnostic Imaging, Vinmec Phu Quoc International Hospital.
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