Is a femur length of 38 mm at 23 weeks of pregnancy considered short?
Generally speaking, a femur length of 38 mm at 23 weeks of gestation is not considered short. The detailed explanation is as follows:
At 23 weeks of pregnancy, the fetal femur length is an important indicator for assessing fetal growth and development. Normally, the typical range for femur length at this stage is between 35–45 mm. Therefore, a measurement of 38 mm falls well within the normal range and does not indicate a short femur. At 23 weeks, the fetal skeletal system is gradually maturing, but the rate and extent of development may vary among individual fetuses. As long as the femur length remains within the normal range, there is generally no cause for concern.
During pregnancy, maintaining a healthy lifestyle—including a balanced diet, moderate exercise, adequate rest, and regular prenatal checkups to monitor fetal development—can help support healthy fetal growth.