What is AUA in pregnancy?

After undergoing an ultrasound procedure with their obstetrician and/or gynecologists for example, many pregnant women often ask about ‘AUA’ that is reflected on the monitor or on the printed film results.  ‘AUA’ actually stands for ‘average ultrasound age,’ and this refers to the estimated age of the unborn baby.  Ultrasound results typically indicate several acronyms and figures including AUA.  Along with the AUA, or average ultrasound volume of the unborn baby, many pregnant women may also notice ‘EDD’ with a date indicated beside it.  This entry represents the ‘expected delivery date’ of the baby.

In terms of the ‘age’ indicated as the AUA, the figure indicated is basically an estimate of the actual age of the unborn baby.  It is said that undergoing an ultrasound procedure at around the first three months of pregnancy gives the most accurate results of the unborn baby’s age.  At this particular period, called the first trimester, the AUA, or average ultrasound age, will give the closest figure to the actual age of a particular, unborn baby.  For the doctor or ultrasound technician to get an estimate or AUA, he/she will need to measure the fetus’ size and the volume of amniotic fluid, for example.  The figures measured will then be compared with standard, statistical averages to come up with the AUA.  During the first trimester also, figures and measurements involved in getting the AUA are also more dependable and, therefore, provide more accuracy.  Ultrasounds done at the later stages of pregnancy may not be reliable enough because of certain factors like the mother’s health and nutrition.

Aside from getting the AUA or average ultrasound age of the unborn baby, ultrasound procedures are also helpful in determining their health and development.  At several stages during the pregnancy period, ultrasound procedures can help determine if the fetus has a heartbeat, for example.  The procedure also provides details of the physical development of the fetus, including possible detection of health concerns and abnormalities.  Ultrasound may also be used by doctors to check on the pregnant woman herself if she has health issues like pelvic abnormalities.