Fetal Weight

Know what fetal weight has to say about your baby’s health.

Introduction

As pregnancy advances, you will notice a gradual increase in the size of the baby bump. This indicates that the baby is advancing as it should. From very early in pregnancy, the baby grows at different rates in the mother’s womb. The length and weight of the baby varies between individuals and as the pregnancy progresses.

How is fetal weight estimation done?

During early pregnancy, between 6 to 9 weeks, a dating scan is performed. The doctor will measure the length of the fetus from the head to the buttocks using an ultrasound. This is known as Crown-rump length (CRL). An anomaly scan is performed between 18 to 20 weeks. By then, the baby has grown substantially, and the baby’s head circumference, abdominal girth, and thigh bone length are also measured. In the later stages, growth scans and color dopplers are also performed to assess the baby’s growth.

What is the normal fetal weight estimation by week?

The different fetal weights corresponding to their pregnancy week are given below:

Pregnancy week Average Length (cm) Average Weight (g)

Pregnancy week	Average Length (cm)	Average Weight (g)
8	1.6	1
9	2.3	2
10	3.1	4
11	4.1	7
12	5.4	14
13	7.4	23
14	8.7	43
15	10.1	70
16	11.6	100
17	13	140
18	14.2	190
19	15.3	240

The lengths below are measured from crown to heel:

Pregnancy week	Average Length (cm)	Average Weight (g)
20	25.6	300
21	26.7	360
22	27.8	430
23	28.9	501
24	30	600
25	34.6	660
26	35.6	760
27	36.6	875
28	37.6	1000
29	38.6	1200
30	39.9	1300
31	41.1	1500
32	42.4	1700
33	43.7	1900
34	45	2100
35	46.2	2400
36	47.4	2600
37	48.6	2900
38	49.8	3100
39	50.7	3300
40	51.2	3500

Please note that these numbers are averages and may vary from baby to baby. These figures are based on international guidelines for fetal weight and length. If the doctor finds that the baby’s weight and length is significantly lower than required for that stage of pregnancy as compared to Indian benchmarks, he may ask you to undergo further tests for detecting anomalies.

What is the fetal weight is below average?

If the fetal weight is below average, as determined by the ultrasound measurements and your weight gain, then the obstetrician might advice a bunch of other tests like amniocentesis where birth defects of the baby can be identified which might be the cause behind poor weight gain.

Disclaimer: The information in the article is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor.

Also read: Understanding Baby Weight Gain

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