How to interpret the data on a late-pregnancy ultrasound report

May 23, 2023 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Lv Aiming
Introduction
Under normal circumstances, each indicator on a late-pregnancy ultrasound report provides information about the basic condition of the fetus, and these data can be used to assess fetal development and health status. These measurements include fetal heart rate, placenta, biparietal diameter (BPD), occipitofrontal diameter (OFD), femur length (FL), head circumference (HC), abdominal circumference (AC), fetal position, and amniotic fluid index.

Under normal circumstances, each indicator on a late-pregnancy ultrasound report reflects the basic condition of the fetus, and these data can be used to assess fetal development and health status. The specific analysis is as follows:

The data include fetal heart rate, placenta, biparietal diameter (BPD), occipitofrontal diameter (OFD), femur length (FL), head circumference (HC), and others. Fetal heart rate refers to the number of times the baby's heart beats per minute, with a normal range of 120–160 beats per minute. The placenta description indicates its location of attachment within the uterus and its maturity level. Placental maturity is classified into four grades: Grade 0 indicates an immature placenta; Grade I also indicates immaturity; Grade II suggests the placenta is approaching maturity; and Grade III indicates full maturity. The biparietal diameter (BPD) measures the widest distance between the two parietal bones of the fetal head from left to right, which helps estimate the baby's weight and developmental status. The occipitofrontal diameter (OFD) is the distance from the top of the nasal root to the external occipital protuberance, serving as an indicator for assessing fetal development and whether the baby can pass through the birth canal smoothly during delivery. Femur length (FL) refers to the length of the baby’s thigh bone and is used together with BPD to estimate fetal weight. Humerus length (HL) measures the length of the upper arm bone. Head circumference (HC) is the maximum circumference around the fetal head and is used to confirm the developmental status of the fetus. Other indicators include abdominal circumference (AC), fetal presentation, amniotic fluid index, and so on.

If there are any aspects of the ultrasound report that remain unclear, it is recommended to consult a professional doctor at a hospital.