A Comparative Ultrasonographic Study of Fetal Biometric Parameters of Normal Fetus versus Intrauterine Growth Restriction Fetus during the Third Trimester of Pregnancy

Abstract

Abstract Introduction: Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) is a well-known complex issue in obstetrics that can lead to significant fetal or neonatal complications, both in the short and long term. This ultrasonographic study was undertaken to compare the growth and development of the normal fetus versus IUGR fetus, during the third trimester of pregnancy in Meghalaya, Northeastern India. Materials and Methods: This was a prospective, analytical ultrasonographic study done on pregnant women in the third trimester from May 2021 to October 2022 at North Eastern Indira Gandhi Regional Institute of Health and Medical Sciences, Shillong. Forty-two pregnant women (twenty-one each from normal and IUGR fetuses) were observed from the 28th week of gestation until delivery. Ultrasonographic fetal biometric parameters (FBPs) such as biparietal diameter, head circumference, abdominal circumference (AC), femur length, and estimated fetal weight were used to study fetal growth and development. The weight and length of the newborn were recorded. Multivariable linear regression analysis was used to identify the association between IUGR and FBPs as well as birth weight and length. Results: Among the FBPs, only AC parameter was statistically associated with IUGR status (P < 0.05). Birth weight and birth length were significantly lower in the IUGR group compared to the normal group (P < 0.001 for both). Conclusions: Among the FBPs, AC may be better suited to compare fetal growth and development between normal and IUGR fetuses during the third trimester of pregnancy.