Ultrasound fetal size charts in Niger

Ultrasound scanning to confirm fetal growth is an essential part of prenatal screening and depends on comparison with biometric reference charts. Charts for ultrasound scanning in Niger were established at the Poudriere Hospital in Niamey between 1994 and 1997. A total of 5 197 measurements were made on 736 fetuses to obtain 50 values for biparietal diameter, transverse abdominal diameter, and femoral length between the 14th and 41st weeks from the last menses. Each parameter was presented with dispersion and compared with similar findings from other series to establish reference charts for the population of Niger. Transverse abdominal fetal diameter in Niger appeared to be below normal. These charts establish a local reference at a given time but will require revision in the future.