CORRELATION OF FETAL BLADDER DIMENSIONS WITH GESTATIONAL AGE AND AMNIOTIC FLUID INDEX IN THIRD TRIMESTER

Abstract

Background:

This study investigates the relationship between fetal bladder dimensions, gestational age, and amniotic fluid index (AFI) during the third trimester of pregnancy. The fetal bladder plays a key role in assessing renal function and contributes significantly to amniotic fluid volume, which is vital for fetal lung development and overall growth. Correlating bladder volume improves interpretation.

Objective:

To assess fetal bladder dimensions and their correlation with gestational age and amniotic fluid index during the third trimester of pregnancy.

Methodology:

A cross-sectional study was conducted over four months at the UOL Ultrasound Clinic, Green Town. A total of 150 third-trimester pregnant women fulfilling the inclusion criteria were selected through convenient sampling. Ultrasound examinations were performed using a Toshiba Aplio 300 machine equipped with a 3–5 MHz convex transducer.

Results:

The study population had a mean gestational age of 31.77 ± 3.28 weeks and a mean maternal age of 26.61 ± 5.06 years. Fetal bladder volume showed a significant positive correlation with gestational age (p < 0.001), indicating progressive bladder enlargement with advancing gestation. The correlation between bladder volume and AFI was not statistically significant (p > 0.05). Maternal age and other biometric parameters also showed no significant associations (p > 0.05).

Conclusion:

Fetal bladder volume increases significantly with gestational age during the third trimester, reflecting normal fetal renal development and urinary function. However, no significant correlation was observed between bladder volume and AFI, suggesting independent regulation of these parameters.