Fetal limb volume: a new parameter to assess fetal growth and nutrition.

Fetal growth and nutrition were evaluated using measurements of the subcutaneous tissues of the arm and leg to calculate limb volume. Arm measurements included transverse and anteroposterior arm thicknesses and subcutaneous tissue thickness; leg measurements included lengths and thicknesses of the humerus and femur, transverse and anteroposterior thigh thickness, and thigh subcutaneous tissue thickness. Volumes were calculated using equations with both circular and elliptical perimeters. Limb volume was found to be strongly correlated with gestational age, and may be a possible predictive factor of intrauterine growth retardation.