ABSTRACT

Background: Developments in the ultrasound system have permitted to observe the fetal morphology more visibly and to identify fetal gender in advance during pregnancy. Determination of gender is helpful regarding deformity, multiple gestation and information for family, if needed.

Aim: To determine the differences in biparietal diameter and femur length measurements in male and female fetuses.

Methodology: It was a cross-sectional comparative study in which 320 pregnant females with 18 weeks to 42 weeks gestational age were included. Biparietal diameter and femur length were identified and measurements were obtained in millimeters. Data was collected through questionnaire, which was entered and statistically analyzed using SPSS 21.0. Presentation of numerical data was made as descriptive statistics like mean±SD.

Results: Among male fetuses who had gestational age (GA) 18-24 weeks by LMP, mean BPD was 56.165+24.506mm and mean FL was 31.659+8.8960mm. Among male fetuses who had GA 25-42 weeks by LMP, the mean BPD was 82.513+8.1300mm and mean FL was 59.465+7.6444mm. Likewise among female fetuses who had GA 18-24 weeks by LMP, the mean BPD was 51.786+7.418mm and mean FL was 44.368+8.0838mm. Among female fetuses who had GA 25-42 weeks by LMP, mean BPD was 77.395+8.8282mm and mean FL was 62.921+8.6536mm.

Conclusion: Study concluded that sonographic sex-specific difference is present in fetal biparietal diameter and femur length after 18 weeks of gestation.

Keywords: Sex, fetal, biparietal diameter, femur length, pregnancy, ultrasonography