Umbilical cord diameter and cross-sectional area in association with gestational age among women with uncomplicated pregnancies in north-central Nigeria: a cross-sectional study
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Date
2026-01-27
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Published by Elsevier
Abstract
Aim and objectives: To assess gestational age using the umbilical cord diameter (UCD) and cross-sectional area
(CSA).
Methodology: This was a cross-sectional study among 300 women with no adverse medical history and uncom
plicated pregnancies between the 14th and 40th completed weeks of pregnancy. The commonly used foetal
parameters for gestational age (GA) estimation: Biparietal Diameter, Head and Abdominal Circumference and
Femur Length were measured using standard protocols.
UCD and CSA were measured in a plane adjacent to cord insertion into the foetal abdomen within 1 cm. UCD was
measured in long axis from outer-to-outer border of the umbilical cord using the electronic calipers. The cross-
sectional area was obtained in transverse axis using the ellipse measurement and area was calculated auto
matically by the ultrasound machine in-built software. Measurements were taken twice for each parameter, and
the average value was recorded for each participant to reduce intra-observer error.
Result: The mean UCD and CSA were 16.12 ± 4.28 mm and 2.08 ± 0.87 cm respectively. UCD and CSA were
observed to increase steadily with GA up to the 33rd week of gestation, decline and then remain stable from the
38th and 39th week gestation respectively until the end of pregnancy. Significant correlations (p = 0.001) be
tween umbilical cord diameter and cross-sectional area with estimated foetal weight (EFW), GA and other foetal
parameters for GA estimation was observed.
A regression analysis model between UCD, CSA and GA showed 95% confidence interval (CI). GA by LMP
(weeks) = 1.528 (UCD) + 2.646, 7.544 (CSA) + 11.540. GA by US (weeks) = 1.542 (UCD) + 2.653, 7.618 (CSA)
+ 11.619.
Conclusion: UCD and CSA measurement is a reliable method for prediction of GA and has a strong linear rela
tionship with commonly used foetal parameters.
Description
Keywords
Umblical cord diameter, Cross sectional area, Ultrasonography, Gestational Age
Citation
Musa, A.M., Akande, H.J., Raji, H.O., Olafimihan, B.B., Aremu, L.T., Owolabi J.I., Gwadabe, S.M., & Quadri, I.O. (2026). Umbilical cord diameter and cross-sectional area in association with gestational age among women with uncomplicated pregnancies in north-central Nigeria: a cross-sectional study. European Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology and Reproductive Biology, 319, 114976. Published by Elsevier. Available online at: https://www.ejog.org/issue/S0301-2115(26)X2001-2