Growth parameters in normal fetuses

A total of 14 linear measurements, seven ratios of linear measurements, and the weights of eight organs were taken from 100 normal fetuses. The fetuses had been therapeutically aborted between 11 and 19 weeks of gestational age by prostaglandin induction or hysterotomy. Measurements were obtained from at least five fetuses for each week of development age. A correlation matrix was calculated in order to identify those variables that showed a significant relationship with each other and with total body measurements. Significant correlations were obtained between crown-rump length and the following: head circumference, femur length, and humerus length. These three measurements were also significantly correlated with body weight. First-order regression equations were produced for these significantly correlated variables. This information can be used to estimate fetal growth even when the fetus is incomplete.