Scan reports are full of abbreviations, and it's easy to feel lost. Here's what the common ones mean — and what to focus on.
Remember: measurements are compared against typical ranges, and a baby measuring a little ahead or behind is usually completely normal.
🔍What it checks
- CRL — crown-rump length, used to date early pregnancy
- BPD & HC — head measurements
- AC — abdominal circumference
- FL — femur (thigh bone) length
- EFW — estimated fetal weight (an estimate, with a margin)
💛What to expect
If a measurement sits outside the usual range, your team may simply suggest another scan to keep an eye on things — it doesn't automatically mean there's a problem.
It's your scan and your baby: it's always okay to ask the sonographer to explain anything in plain language.
💬Questions worth asking
- Are all the measurements within the expected range?
- Is there anything you'd like to check again?
- Can you explain that in everyday terms?
Good to know. This is general information, not a diagnosis. Your sonographer and midwife are the right people to interpret your individual results.
Sources:
www.nhs.uk