What Do My Lab Test Results Indicate?

Posted on Mon, 22 Aug 2016

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Mon, 22 Aug 2016 Answered on

Mon, 12 Sep 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : We're 32 weeks pregnant and our baby's femur looked to be a bit bowed in the ultrasound to us. The doctor didn't mention anything during the ultrasound but I am a bit worried. Also, in terms of fetal biometric charts he was on the 70th percentile in length at 28 weeks but now at 32 it's just about the 50th percentile. Should we be worried about height or bowed legs? It seems like his femur's slowed down in growth very quickly. Also, I was born with pigeon toes myself and needed braces for my own legs and I just want to make sure the same isn't happening with our son.

Answered by Dr. Shanti Vennam (57 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Small for gestational age is a probability.

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

Thanks for posting your query.

If there is only an isolated reduction in the femur length, with no other detectable skeletal abnormality, the causes could be maternal hypoproteinemia, small for dates baby or hereditary factors coming into play.

A repeat sonogram can be done after another week to compare. Doppler studies also help.

As the baby is still in the 50th percentile, there is less reason for worry. Yet, in view of family history, I would suggest taking the opinion of a specialist to plan further management.

Hope your query has been answered. Please feel free to contact for further clarifications. I will be happy to help.

regards,
Shanti.V.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar