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What Do Following Fetal Parameters Indicate?

Posted on Tue, 24 Oct 2017

Question: Hello doctor,

I had asked you few questions last week. If you remember they were questions about Fibroids, Morning sickness, scan, baby feel etc. Sorry that question is now closed so I need to write another question.

I had said that at 21+2 days anomaly scan all readings were within the range. But since this is our first successful pregnancy after three failed one, we were searching internet for comparisons and we are not satisfied by the different information.

Could you please give us knowledge on the followings:

Scan done at 21+2 weeks

1> Baby's Biparietal Diameter (BPD) reading was 49.7mm. some online report shows it comes at 36 percentile. What is this percentile? Is our baby growth normal at this stage?

2> Head Circumference (HC) reading was 182.5mm. Is this normal?

3> Femur Lenght (FL) reading was 36.8. Is this normal?

4> Estimated Fetal weight was 398 grams. Is this normal?

5> Abdominal Circumference (AC) reading was 154.9. Is this normal?

Please give your honest and experienced opinion about our baby's growth readings.

Do you think we should scan more regularly?

6> Also, what kind of diet you suggest to eliminate any risks? and what you suggest to avoid eating during this time?

Thanks for your time.

Regards.

Answered by Dr. Deepti Verma (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Normal parameters

Detailed Answer:
Hi dear,
I have gone through your question and understand the concerns.
I have gone through all the fetal parameters you have mentioned.
All the parameters are within normal range for that gestational age.
The percentile is a way of comparing with the normal fetal parameters for that gestational age.
The parameters should be more than 5th percentile and weight should be more than 10th percentile for that gestational age.
The fetal scans should be done at 24 weeks , 28 weeks, 32 weeks and at around 38 weeks to assess fetal growth well being.
More frequent scans are advised only when there is any maternal or fetal complications.
High protein diet including sprouts, eggs, milk and milk products, legumes and meat (if non vegetarian ) should be taken to promote fetal growth.
No food item is specially contraindicated in pregnancy, however papaya, very strong spices and chinese cuisine should be preferably avoided.
Hope you found the answer helpful.
Regards
Dr Deepti Verma
OBGYN
Maternal and fetal medicine specialist

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Deepti Verma (3 days later)

Thank you very much doctor. This has eased our concerns.

Before we come up with any more question at later weeks, could you please tell us the following:

My wife is taking Levothyroxine for Hypothyroidism. Normally hospitals here do not give 36 weeks scan but they have booked for my wife 36 weeks scan.

- Why they need to scan at 36 weeks?

- She was offered because she has Hypothyroidism. How this thyroid can affect the baby or pregnancy?

- What special thing they have to check at 36 weeks?

Thanks in advance.

Regards.

Answered by Dr. Deepti Verma (21 hours later)

Brief Answer:
To assess fetal growth

Detailed Answer:
Hi dear, A 36 weeks scan is done to assess the fetal growth, amniotic fluid and placental condition.
In hypothyroidism, fetal growth restriction can be there.
Hence, A 36 weeks scan is advised.
Regards
Dr Deepti Verma

Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng