Ultrasound fetal biometry charts for a North American caucasian population

Abstract

Purpose This study was done to produce enhanced fetal biometry charts and graphs presenting percentile values as a function of fetal age. Methods The relationships between the ultrasound measurements of 10 fetal parameters and menstrual age were determined by a cross-sectional study. Data were obtained from 508 to 790 fetuses. Anatomic structures were scanned and measured 3 times during 1 routine sonographic examination. The study group consisted of 1,396 Caucasian women who had normal singleton fetuses with confirmation of menstrual dates by sonography before 14 weeks and for whom complete pregnancy outcome information was available. For each of the 10 parameters, percentile curves were derived for the 5th, 10th, 25th, 50th, 75th, 90th, and 95th percentiles. Results Ready-to-use fetal measurement charts and graphs are presented in a format giving the percentile values as a function of fetal age. There were no significant differences between male and female fetuses. Conclusions These fetal biometry charts and graphs, obtained from a North American Caucasian population, enhance previously published data. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 26:433–453, 1998.