Estimation of Gestational Age using Humeral Length in Ultrasonography

Abstract

This is a descriptive, cross sectional study was carried out on ultrasound department in the Omdurman maternity hospital, the main problem for this research is an accurate measurement of gestational age in third trimester , the study aim to assess the reliability of humeral length and the femur length in predicating gestational age and prediction of menstrual age. 50 healthy pregnant women were enrolled in the study; their age ranged 18-35 year is a safe period for the pregnancy, delivery and have less chance of congenital anomalies. Ultrasound devices with option of measuring humeral length were used. The result revealed that there was no significant difference between gestational age obtained with femur length and that obtained with humeral length. Furthermore, a significant correlation was noticed between gestational age and HL, this correlation also seen between FL and gestational age. The ultrasound plays a great role to assess fetal bone biometrics as it is sensitive and accurate. The study concluded that both femoral and humeral length s were similar and reliable to estimate the gestational age. The study recommended that the humeral length must be used as routine measurement in calculation the gestational age in the third trimester .