Question

Table 1.1 contains measurements typically used to estimate gestational age. Use this data and plot Gestational age (X axis) versus measurement (Yaxis). You will need this information for your quiz. Table 1.1 Measurements of Developing Fetuses Gestational Ag (weeks) Femur Length (cm) 16 2.1 Biparietal Diameter Abdominal Circumference (cm) 3.6 10.5 4.8 15.0 6.1 19.5 7.3 240 20 4.4 24 28 5.4 32 8.2 6.2 36 40 7.1 28.0 320 35.9 9.0 9.7 7.8 Measure the femur length of the image below and using your graphs determine the gestational age of the fetus. Figure 1.1 The image is a 1:2 scale which means you must double your measured length to approximate the true size of the femur. Record your answer for your quiz.

Answer 1

4.6cm is the length of the femur of the fetus given in the picture after taking into account of 1:2 scale of the image.

By plotting the measurements on the graph, we get a straight line and then the length of the femur is approximated on the calibration curve and is extended on the X axis to get the age of the fetus.

From the graph it is seen that the age of the fetus is 25 weeks based on the length of the femur.

It is seen that the abdominal circumference and biparietal diameter are also directly proportional to the age of the fetus.Hence any of the following parameters can be used as an indicator of the age of the fetus.In this case we have only selected the length of the femur as a criteria to account and relate to the age of the fetus. The selected parameter will be plotted on the Y axis always which keeps on changing.