SONOGRAPHIC CORRELATION OF FETAL GASTRIC SIZE AND AMNIOTIC FLUID IN SECOND TRIMESTER OF PREGNANCIES

Abstract

The physiological connection between fetal gastric size and amniotic fluid volume occurs because both factors operate through swallowing and fluid regulation mechanisms. Existing studies provide insufficient evidence of their second-trimester relationship within the specified regional boundaries. The study aims to determine how fetal gastric dimensions impact amniotic fluid levels in healthy pregnancies with single fetuses. The research team conducted a cross-sectional study with 100 women (aged 18 to 40 years) who were in their second trimester of pregnancy. The researchers used transverse axial view measurements to determine fetal gastric size and they used the four-quadrant technique to calculate AFI. The researchers used Pearson’s correlation method to analyze the collected data. The researchers discovered significant positive correlations between gestational age and fetal parameters which included abdominal circumference (r = 0.53) head circumference (r = 0.51) femur length (r = 0.52) biparietal diameter (r = 0.51) estimated fetal weight (r = 0.95) and gastric dimensions (transverse r = 0.81; area r = 0.85; AP diameter r = 0.81). The AFI measurement demonstrated a relationship with gestational age which had a correlation coefficient of (r = 0.43). Fetal gastric dimensions display a strong relationship with both AFI measurements and the progression of pregnancy. The assessment of gastric biometry through its two primary measurements gastric area and AP diameter functions as an effective tool to enhance the standard AFI assessment process in obstetric ultrasound examinations which identify gastrointestinal issues and fluid regulation problems.