Cross sectional study to determine gestational age by metrical measurements of foot length

Gestational age estimation is essential in certain condition while performing foetal or neonatal autopsy. This study was conducted to assess the gestational age by foot length of foeti. Foot lengths of 126 foeti (77 live and 49 dead) were included in this study. The objective of this study was to assess the accurate gestational age by simple, non-invasive and economical method. The foot length was measured using vernier caliper between the posterior aspect of the heel to the tip of the longest toe. It was observed that there was an increase of 4.11 gestational weeks for increase in 1 cm of foot length. The results were encouraging and comparable with other similar studies. The foot length (independent variable) is strongly related with the period of gestation. As this method is simple, economical and accurate it can be used by a basic medical doctor and also paramedical even in a rural setup.