Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 13, 2025
14:19
Fetal Echocardiography and Pulsed-wave Doppler Ultrasound in a Rabbit Model of Intrauterine Growth Restriction
Published on: June 29, 2013
28.3K
Fetal Thigh Circumference Nomograms Across Gestational Ages: A Retrospective Study
Ferdinando Antonio Gulino1, Giorgio Arcarese1, Giosuè Giordano Incognito2
1Unit of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Department of Human Pathology of Adults and Developmental Age, "G. Martino" University Hospital, 98122 Messina, Italy.
Journal of Personalized Medicine
|July 25, 2025
Summary
This study establishes fetal thigh circumference (ThC) reference ranges across gestational ages (GA) for improved prenatal growth assessment. These findings provide valuable clinical tools for monitoring fetal development.
Area of Science:
- Prenatal diagnostics
- Fetal biometry
- Obstetrics
Background:
- Fetal thigh circumference (ThC) is a potential indicator of fetal growth.
- Establishing normative data for ThC is crucial for clinical application.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish reference ranges for fetal thigh circumference (ThC) across a wide spectrum of gestational ages (GA).
- To provide normative data for ThC to aid in prenatal assessment of fetal growth.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 48,841 singleton pregnancies.
- Thigh circumference measurements obtained during routine ultrasounds from 12 to 38 weeks gestation.
- Calculation of 10th, 50th, and 90th percentile ranges for ThC by gestational week.
Main Results:
- A significant positive correlation was found between fetal thigh circumference (ThC) and gestational age (GA).
- ThC values demonstrated a progressive increase from 12 to 38 weeks gestation.
- Reference ranges (10th, 50th, 90th percentiles) for ThC were successfully established.
Conclusions:
- The study provides essential reference ranges for fetal ThC, supporting its use in prenatal care.
- Fetal ThC offers a valuable additional parameter for monitoring fetal growth, particularly when standard measurements are difficult.
- Further research is recommended to integrate ThC with other growth parameters and assess its utility in conditions like IUGR and skeletal dysplasias.
