Ultrasonic foetal abdominal circumference as a means of assessing gestational age in Nigerians

Abstract

Foetal abdominal circumference values have been established amongst pregnant Nigerian women between 16 weeks and 40 weeks of gestation, using standard ultrasound methods. A linear mathematical model was found to be adequate in describing the relationship between gestational age and abdominal circumference, and by using the regression equation from the data it was possible to predict the gestational age from knowledge of the abdominal circumference and vice versa. The value of this parameter in assessing foetal age and monitoring high risk pregnancies is discussed.