Fetal Biometry and Early Behavioural Development
type: CreativeWork
description: The overall aim of this thesis is to explore the use of standardised fetal biometric measurements and their relationship, if any, with later infant outcomes. In addition, the possible influence of fetal sex and several maternal conditions (polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), hirsutism and autism) on fetal growth measurements, are explored. The biometrics include anogenital distance (AGD), several brain measurements (transcerebellar diameter (TCD), ventricular atrium (VA)) and head circumference (HC). AGD was included as a proxy for prenatal sex steroid hormones, given the importance of the latter as an influence of brain development and for a number of autistic traits postnatally. The fetuses were assessed using ultrasound at 12-, 20- and between 26-30 weeks gestation and followed up at 18-20 months’ of age to see if these fetal biometric measurements are associated with later language and sensory development, as well as early autistic traits. Chapter 1 gives an overview of current research on fetal development, as well as the different methodologies used. This includes an introduction to the maternal conditions considered in this thesis and the fetal biometrics (HC, VA, TCD and AGD) that are measured. Chapter 2 explores potential sex differences and the influence that maternal conditions (PCOS, hirsutism and autism) may have on developing fetal brain structure. Results indicate no significant sex differences between fetal brain measurements, or growth velocity. In addition, there was no relationship between maternal conditions and the fetal growth measurements. Chapter 3 explores the feasibility of measuring AGD in utero (as a proxy for prenatal sex steroid hormones). Further, it examines the influence of maternal conditions such as PCOS (which is associated with increased testosterone) on AGD in utero. Significant sex differences in AGD were demonstrated, supporting previous findings. Results showed no relationship between fetal AGD and maternal testosterone related…
abstract: The overall aim of this thesis is to explore the use of standardised fetal biometric measurements and their relationship, if any, with later infant outcomes. In addition, the possible influence of fetal sex and several maternal conditions (polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), hirsutism and autism) on fetal growth measurements, are explored. The biometrics include anogenital distance (AGD), several brain measurements (transcerebellar diameter (TCD), ventricular atrium (VA)) and head circumference (HC). AGD was included as a proxy for prenatal sex steroid hormones, given the importance of the latter as an influence of brain development and for a number of autistic traits postnatally. The fetuses were assessed using ultrasound at 12-, 20- and between 26-30 weeks gestation and followed up at 18-20 months’ of age to see if these fetal biometric measurements are associated with later language and sensory development, as well as early autistic traits. Chapter 1 gives an overview of current research on fetal development, as well as the different methodologies used. This includes an introduction to the maternal conditions considered in this thesis and the fetal biometrics (HC, VA, TCD and AGD) that are measured. Chapter 2 explores potential sex differences and the influence that maternal conditions (PCOS, hirsutism and autism) may have on developing fetal brain structure. Results indicate no significant sex differences between fetal brain measurements, or growth velocity. In addition, there was no relationship between maternal conditions and the fetal growth measurements. Chapter 3 explores the feasibility of measuring AGD in utero (as a proxy for prenatal sex steroid hormones). Further, it examines the influence of maternal conditions such as PCOS (which is associated with increased testosterone) on AGD in utero. Significant sex differences in AGD were demonstrated, supporting previous findings. Results showed no relationship between fetal AGD and maternal testosterone related…
author: Aydin, Ezra
language: eng
keywords: fetal development, autism, fetal brain development, polycystic ovary syndrome, anogenital distance, ultrasound
license: https://apollo8-f-pro.lib.cam.ac.uk/bitstreams/c16cf9bb-4348-4231-928e-7d866a1f970a/download
license: https://www.rioxx.net/licenses/all-rights-reserved/
date published: 2020-10-15
date modified: 2026-07-22T22:24:16Z
provider: Cambridge University
publisher: Networked Digital Library of Theses and Dissertations
type: WebPage
source organization: University of Cambridge

PropertyValue
property ID: DOI
value: 10.17863/CAM.73824