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Normal abdominal circumference during pregnancy
The abdominal circumference during pregnancy begins to change dynamically from the middle of the second trimester, from about the 16th week. This indicator helps to establish the estimated date of birth and the body weight of the unborn child. In addition, analyzing the data obtained, the doctor in the early stages may notice abnormalities in the development of the fetus or identify violations of the fat metabolism of the expectant mother.
How to measure abdominal circumference during pregnancy?
Measurements are made in the clinic at the reception of the gynecologist. For this, a regular centimeter tape is used.
Abdominal circumference during pregnancy can tell about diseases at an early stage.
In order for the indicators to be as accurate as possible, a number of rules must be followed:
- The abdominal circumference is measured in a horizontal position, there is no sagging of the peritoneal tissue in it. In this case, you cannot bend your knees.
- The bladder must be emptied.
- The centimeter follows two control points. In front is the umbilical cavity. Behind – the maximum deflection of the spine.
Only if these rules are observed can the doctor trust the results obtained.
Abdominal circumference during pregnancy: the norm in different periods
There is no universal norm figure. Here you need to take into account several factors: the individual characteristics of the body, the constitution of the girl before childbirth, the number of pregnancies before that.
With multiple pregnancies, the abdominal circumference is always larger than with a singleton
But there are averages. So, if at the twentieth week the abdominal circumference fluctuates in the range of 70-75 cm, then by the end of the third trimester it can reach 95-100 cm.
If the abdominal circumference is more or less than the norm, you need to sound the alarm. This can be due to various factors. For example:
- Excessive size may indicate an incorrect presentation of the fetus, which often causes complications during childbirth, polyhydramnios, obesity, and the development of chorionepithelioma (cancer).
- If the circumference is less than normal, this may be associated with an ectopic pregnancy, with a deviation in the development of the fetus (malnutrition), which occurs as a result of placental insufficiency, or with oligohydramnios. Also, this situation may arise during prolongation.
In no case do not diagnose yourself on your own, only a doctor should measure the abdominal circumference. Having found deviations, he will order additional studies to identify their cause.