RESUMO
The intrahepatic diameter of the umbilical vein of 350 normal and singleton fetuses were measured sonographically to establish the relationship between umbilical vein diameter (UVD) and fetal growth parameters. Foetuses from 17 weeks to 40 weeks were evaluated sonographically in mothers who had no history of chronic illness or abnormal liquor volumes. The least squares method was used to fit mean UVD values against G.A. Pearson Moment Correlation analysis was also performed between the mean UVD and the other established growth parameters (BPD and AC) obtained concurrently. There was a steady increase in the foetal UVD with gestational age which is expressed by the equation. GA = 2.36 + 4.84 UVD. The fastest growth rate of the UVD occurred in the last 10 weeks of gestation with a maximum mean value of 9.85 + 0.71mm. The UVD correlated strongly and positively with both BPD and AC