Anthropometric analysis of Turkish fetuses’ face

Abstract

Aims: This study aims at collecting data on the morphology of the face during its development in order to get detailed information on the neighboring structures and its variations using anatomical dissections and obtain normal morphometric values of the face growth and human fetuses during the 1st, 2nd and 3rd trimester. Methods: This study was performed on spontaneously aborted 97 fetuses (49 males, 48 females) (11 first trimester, 63 second trimester and 24 third trimester) that have no observable congenital malformations or maternal history of risky pregnancy. The fetuses were taken from a Gynecology Department of a School of Medicine and a Maternity Hospital in Konya. Thirteen direct facial anthropometric measurements were performed on 97 volunteers. The data obtained were compared with the data of previous studies. Results: Means and standard deviations of the parameters in regard to gestational weeks and trimesters were calculated. A significant correlation was observed between all parameters and gestational age (p