Question

there is a pregnant women whose B.P.D is normal and femur lenght is also normal in 21 weeks of pregnancy ( this result has been seen in obstetrical ultrasound) but when she agains do this ultrasound in 25 weeks of pregnancy her B.P.D or fetal lenght is normal, however, Femur lenght is abnormal or less than 1%. what is the medical reason for this occurence? what is the cause for this abnormality? is there any medication to cure this deficiency? what kind of specialist to see for this abnormality? please explain medical terms for this. thanks

Answer 1

Ans:

The femur is the long bone in the human thigh. It is an index for the growth of the fetus in the uterus. Its observation during the last three months of gestation is crucial meaning its length during this period will give an indication of babies length at the time of birth. However, it is not the only index for the final growth of baby during birth. Hence balanced and good nutrition, adequate sleep can achieve the good growth of the baby.

Since femur length is linked to nutrition, lack of proper nutrition may lead to short femur than expected. It has been found that insufficient milk and protein intake of pregnant women may lead to short femur length. Placental insufficiency is another cause of such abnormality or medical condition. i.e. whatever pregnant lady consumes the nutritional ingredients are not reached to a growing baby or they did not reach as expected.

The shortening of the femur is linked to insufficient diet and once such condition arises there are no cure or medication for this, the baby will develop as short. But we can definitely prevent this by visiting the Obstetrician and seeking counselling from him on such condition.

Also trained and practising clinical nutritionist along with Obstetrician can decide diet for pregnant lady and by strictly following such diet we can prevent this condition.

Similarly, if there are genetic testing or testing other than USG pelvic and abdomen then Obstetrician will definitely recommend that.

Moreover we need to keep on asking our Obstetrician about all birth anthropometric parameters of developing baby.