Ultrasonographic Fetal Gestational Age Determination by Biparietal Diameter

Abstract

Background: Size and body proportions at birth predict short and long term outcomes. The main determinant of perinatal mortality is low birth weight. Several development indicators like Biparietal diameter (BPD), Head Circumference (HC) and Femur Length (FL) are used to predict the gestational age. Aim: This study was designed to compare the accuracy of predicting gestational age by the measurements of biparietal diameter in the second and third trimester. Methods: This was a cross sectional study of uncomplicated 234 pregnant women of between 17 and 38 weeks of gestation. Results: Biparietal diameter measurements were tabulated against corresponding menstrual age and mean biparietal diameter. Conclusion: Accurate gestational age assessment is also essential in the evaluation of fetal growth and the detection of intrauterine growth restriction.