HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

question-icon

What Causes Short Femur Length Of Fetus During Pregnancy?

default
Posted on Wed, 30 Jul 2014
Question: Hello, I am 32 y. old and 27 + 6 week pregnant with baby #2. My first child was born 3 years ago, weighing 2.78 kilo @ 38+5. At my last 2 scans, I was told that baby was under-sized and worried that his femur measurement is less than 5th percentile today @ week 27+6.
Also, doctor due date is based on LMP = 25/12, while baby was conceived on 13/01 ( with positive ovulation test on that day). Should i be worried about?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Manisha Jain (45 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
4D scan and fetal doppler

Detailed Answer:
Hello mam thanks for trusting health care magic.
Short femur length at 27 + 6 weeks is a little worrisome issue.
In my practice I ask for a 4D anomaly scan which gives precise information on the development of the baby.
If it comes out to be normal then get a fetal doppelganger done in the same sitting.
If everything is normal then keep visiting your gynecologist at regular intervals as scheduled.
Repeat doppler after 2 weeks and keep a check on fetal movements.
Along with these scans you should -
- take adequate rest of about 8 hours at night and if possible 2 hours in the day.
- take good diet with lots of green vegetables and fruits.
- rest in left lateral position as much as possible which will enhance blood flow to the baby.
- drink lots of water
Wish you all the best and in case you have any questions i will be happy to help.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
default
Follow up: Dr. Manisha Jain (28 minutes later)
Many thanks for your quick response. What could a small femur indicate?
Could the doctor date (27+6) v. mine (27 w) cater for some of the difference?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Manisha Jain (16 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Nothing to worry

Detailed Answer:
Most welcome.
Short femur is indicative of present or future growth retardation in baby and at times it is just an isolated incidental finding.
There always a difference of 1-2 weeks between ultrasound and period date wise calculation of the gestation of baby but if difference is more than 2 weeks then it is suggestive of growth retardation.
So as yet you need not to worry just take good care of yourself and regular follow up with your gynecologist.
All the very best
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Manisha Jain

OBGYN

Practicing since :2007

Answered : 5136 Questions

premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
What Causes Short Femur Length Of Fetus During Pregnancy?

Brief Answer: 4D scan and fetal doppler Detailed Answer: Hello mam thanks for trusting health care magic. Short femur length at 27 + 6 weeks is a little worrisome issue. In my practice I ask for a 4D anomaly scan which gives precise information on the development of the baby. If it comes out to be normal then get a fetal doppelganger done in the same sitting. If everything is normal then keep visiting your gynecologist at regular intervals as scheduled. Repeat doppler after 2 weeks and keep a check on fetal movements. Along with these scans you should - - take adequate rest of about 8 hours at night and if possible 2 hours in the day. - take good diet with lots of green vegetables and fruits. - rest in left lateral position as much as possible which will enhance blood flow to the baby. - drink lots of water Wish you all the best and in case you have any questions i will be happy to help.