Ultrasonic foetal head circumference as a means of assessing gestational age in Nigerians.
In a cross-sectional study, we have established the foetal head circumference in pregnant Nigerian women between the 16th to the 40th weeks of gestation. The relationship between the head circumference and gestational age is linear although there is some slight slowing of the growth rate after 32 weeks. A linear mathematical model was shown to describe the relationship between gestational age and head circumference and with the knowledge of one the other could be determined. The values obtained in this study compared favourably with similar studies amongst caucasians and the value of this data with reference to management of intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR) and foetal weight determinations was discussed.
Osinusi
B O
BO
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria.
Okubanjo
O A
OA
D002508:Cephalometry / Q000379:methods*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D005333:Fetus / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D005865:Gestational Age; D006801:Humans; D016014:Linear Models; D009549:Nigeria; D011247:Pregnancy; D012015:Reference Standards; D016216:Ultrasonography, Prenatal / Q000379:methods*