USG

An ultrasound scan, also referred to as a

sonogram, diagnostic sonography, and
ultrasonography, is a device that uses high-
frequency sound waves to create images of
the inside of the body. Because sound waves
are used instead of radiation,ultrasound
scans are safe.
 During pregnancy many different ultrasounds
measurements can be done. Fetal ultrasound
measurements can include the crown rump
length (CRL), biparietal diameter (BPD), femur
length (FL), head circumference (HC),
occipitofrontal diameter (OFD), abdominal
circumference (AC), and humerus length (HL),
as well as calculation of the estimated fetal
weight (EFW).
 Gestational sac (GA)
The gestational sac (GS) is a structure that
surrounds an embryo and is likely the first
pregnancy structure that can see on
ultrasound in early pregnancies.
 Yolk Sac
The yolk sac is a membraneous sac attached
to the embryo. It can be seen on ultrasound
between the embryo and the gestational sac
 Fetal Pole
The fetal pole is amass of cells before the
embryo is visible.
 Crown-rump length (CRL)
The term crown "crown rump length" is
borrowed from the early 20th century
embryologists who found that preserved
specimens of early miscarriages assumed a
"sitting in the chair" posture so they they
substituted the head-to-butt length (crown rump
length) as a reproducible method of measuring
the fetus. The CRL measurement is the distance
between the top of the embryo and it's rump.
 Biparietal diameter (BPD)
The diameter between the 2 sides of the
head. This is measured after 13 weeks. It
increases from about 2.4 cm at 13 weeks to
about 9.5 cm at term. Different babies of the
same weight can have different head size,
therefore dating in the later part of pregnancy
is generally considered unreliable.
 Head circumference (HC)
The head circumference or HC measures the
circumference of the fetus' head. The HCis
usually done after 13 weeks of the pregnancy.
 Femur length (FL)
Measures the longest bone in the body and
reflects the longitudinal growth of the fetus.
Its usefulness is similar to the BPD. It increases
from about 1.5 cm at 14 weeks to about 7.8
cm at term. (Chart and further comments)
Similar to the BPD, dating using the FL should
be done as early as is feasible.
 Abdominal circumference (AC)
The single most important measurement to
make in late pregnancy. It reflects more of
fetal size and weight rather than age. Serial
measurements are useful in monitoring
growth of the fetus. (Chart and further
comments) AC measurements should not be
used for dating a fetus.
 Estimated fetal Weight (EFW)
The weight of the fetus at any gestation can
also be estimated with great accuracy using
polynomial equations containing the BPD, FL,
and AC. Computer softwares and lookup
charts are readily available. For example, a
BPD of 9.0 cm and an AC of 30.0 cm will give a
weight estimate of 2.85 kg.