FAC in pregnancy stands for Fetal Abdominal Circumference.
The fetal abdominal circumference (FAC) is a key measurement obtained during prenatal ultrasounds. It's used to assess the size and growth of the fetus during pregnancy. It's particularly important for:
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Estimating Fetal Weight: FAC is a major component in formulas used to calculate estimated fetal weight (EFW). This helps doctors monitor whether the baby is growing at a healthy rate.
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Assessing Fetal Growth Patterns: Serial measurements of FAC over time allow doctors to track the growth velocity of the fetus. This is crucial for identifying potential growth abnormalities, such as intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) or macrosomia (excessively large baby).
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Diagnosing Fetal Abnormalities: While FAC is primarily used to assess growth, significant deviations from normal can sometimes indicate underlying fetal abnormalities or genetic conditions.
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Determining Gestational Age: In early pregnancy, FAC, along with other measurements like biparietal diameter (BPD) and femur length (FL), can be used to estimate gestational age.
The FAC is typically measured in millimeters or centimeters and compared to established growth charts for gestational age. These charts provide a range of normal values, and doctors look for significant deviations from these norms. Factors like maternal health conditions (e.g., gestational diabetes), placental function, and genetic factors can influence FAC.
