Biparietal Diameter (BPD) in Pregnancy: Normal Range & Chart

Ultrasound measurements during pregnancy are essential for monitoring the growth and overall development of the fetus. Among various biometric parameters, BPD is one of the key and commonly used indices that indicate fetal health. This helps gynaecologists estimate gestational age, track growth, and provide for the early detection of abnormalities

Understanding how BPD works, what the numbers mean, and how to interpret a BPD chart in pregnancy can offer clarity and reassurance through each stage of fetal development.

BPD in Pregnancy

Biparietal Diameter is the full form of BPD in pregnancy. It refers to an ultrasound measurement that shows the distance between both sides of a baby's skull, starting from one parietal bone to the other. It is particularly helpful from the second trimester onward and is used to estimate gestational age when the exact date of conception is uncertain.

BPD is a critical component of routine fetal biometry along with head circumference, abdominal circumference, and femur length. Since the skull grows in a predictable pattern during early to mid-pregnancy, physicians depend on the use of BPD to determine if the growth of the baby corresponds to the BPD chart in pregnancy and if there are no major deviations.

Importance of BPD in Pregnancy

The Biparietal Diameter assists in the estimation of pregnancy age, particularly in cases where the last menstrual period is not given or is irregular. This is why the BPD full form in pregnancy becomes an important thing to know for expecting parents.

Why BPD Matters:

  • Estimation of Gestational Age: BPD is considered one of the most accurate markers of fetal age during the second trimester.
  • Monitoring Growth: A consistent increase in BPD helps confirm normal brain and skull development.
  • Anomaly Detection: Serious deviations from the BPD chart by week in cm could indicate growth restrictions or conditions that may affect head shape.

How BPD Is Measured During Ultrasound

BPD is measured during a routine 2D ultrasound. The sonographer takes a cross-sectional view of the baby's head at the level of the thalami and cavum septi pellucidi-key anatomical landmarks.

Correct Form:

  • The head must appear oval, not round or too elongated.
  • The measurement is taken from the outer edge of the near skull bone to the inner edge of the far skull bone.
  • Ideally, the fetus should remain still during the scan for the most accurate information.
  • If the baby is in a difficult position, the sonographer may gently wait for movement or try another angle to match the correct plane.

BPD Chart in Pregnancy: By week in cm

A BPD chart by week in cm helps in comparing your baby's measurement with the typical range for every week of gestation. Below is a general reference chart used in many clinical settings; minor differences between charts are normal.

BPD Graph (13–40 Weeks)

(Average ranges in centimetres)

Gestational Week BPD (cm)
13 weeks 2.3 – 2.7
14 weeks 2.6 – 3.0
15 weeks 2.9 – 3.3
16 weeks 3.2 – 3.6
17 weeks 3.5 – 3.9
18 weeks 3.8 – 4.2
19 weeks 4.1 – 4.5
20 weeks 4.3 – 4.8
21 weeks 4.6 – 5.1
22 weeks 4.9 – 5.4
23 weeks 5.2 – 5.7
24 weeks 5.5 – 6.0
25 weeks 5.8 – 6.2
26 weeks 6.1 – 6.5
27 weeks 6.3 – 6.8
28 weeks 6.6 – 7.1
29 weeks 6.8 – 7.3
 30 weeks 7.0 – 7.5
31 weeks 7.2 – 7.7
32 weeks 7.4 – 7.9
33 weeks 7.6 – 8.1
34 weeks 7.8 – 8.3
35 weeks 8.0 – 8.5
36 weeks 8.2 – 8.7
37 weeks 8.3 – 8.9
38 weeks 8.4 – 9.0
39 weeks 8.5 – 9.2
40 weeks 8.6 – 9.3

How to Interpret the Chart

  • A measurement within the range indicates normal skull growth.
  • A little higher or a little lower usually indicates natural variation.
  • Repeated measurement over time helps to outline the true growth pattern.

BPD chart by week in cm is particularly useful during growth scans, where consistency is more important than one reading.

What If BPD Is Lower or Higher Than Normal?

Low BPD

A lower-than-anticipated BPD may suggest:

  • Constitutionally small but healthy baby
  • Inaccurate gestational age
  • Less frequently encountered are restricted growth or abnormal head shape

High BPD

Higher values could be because of:

  • Greater head size due to genetics
  • Incorrect dating scan
  • Rare conditions that affect CSF

Doctors consider these findings in combination with abdominal circumference and femur length to decide on the need for further testing. Not all deviations on the BPD chart in pregnancy are a cause for concern, as many babies simply grow in their own, individual ways.

When to Seek Medical Advice?

You should consult your doctor if:

  • BPD is always out of normal limits.
  • Other fetal measurements also show deviations.
  • Your doctor recommends further evaluation

Additional Scans Possible:

  • Anomaly scan (18–22 weeks)
  • Doppler studies if there is concern about blood flow or placenta health

What sets Cloudnine apart?

Cloudnine boasts a dedicated fetal imaging facility with highly experienced radiologists, high-resolution ultrasound technology, and sensitive prenatal care. Their specialists explain everything in detail to the parents, from BPD and head circumference to estimated fetal weight. With personalised counselling, timely follow-up, and attention to fetal wellbeing, Cloudnine helps families stay informed and confident at every stage of their pregnancy.

Conclusion

Biparietal Diameter is an important part of fetal growth assessment, enabling the determination of gestational age and providing a record of brain development. Variations in BPD are not infrequent and are usually harmless if other measures stay within the range. Instead of concentrating on the numbers, allow your doctor to interpret the trend over time. Regular checkups, expert guidance, and correct readings from the BPD chart in pregnancy will keep you informed and reassured throughout your pregnancy.

Want to consult the best gynecologists in India? Please find the links below.

  1. Best Gynecologists in Hyderabad
  2. Top Gynecologists in Chennai
  3. Best Gynecologists in Bangalore
  4. Top Obstetricians & Gynecologists in Mumbai
  5. Top Gynecologists near me in Pune
  6. Best Obstetricians & Gynecologists in Chandigarh
  7. Top Obstetricians & Gynecologists near me in Gurgaon
  8. Best Gynecologists near me in Noida
  9. Top Gynecologist near me in Panchkula
  10. Best Gynecologist in Ludhiana
  11. Top Gynecologist In Delhi
  12. Top Gynecologists in Faridabad
  13. Top Gynecologists in Lucknow
  14. Top Gynecologists in Ghaziabad

Want to consult the best Maternity Packages in India? Please find the links below.

  1. Best Maternity Packages in Bengaluru
  2. Best Maternity Packages in Chandigarh
  3. Best Maternity Packages in Chennai
  4. Best Maternity Packages in Faridabad
  5. Best Maternity Packages in Gurugram
  6. Best Maternity Packages in Hyderabad
  7. Best Maternity Packages in Ludhiana
  8. Best Maternity Packages in Mumbai
  9. Best Maternity Packages in New Delhi
  10. Best Maternity Packages in Noida
  11. Best Maternity Packages in Panchkula
  12. Best Maternity Packages in Pune

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is a normal BPD in pregnancy?

Normal ranges vary by week but generally follow values listed in the BPD chart by week in cm.

2. Does BPD get worse during pregnancy?

BPD increases steadily as the baby grows; it rarely “gets worse”—only deviates if growth is abnormal.

3. What are the risks associated with BPD in pregnancy?

Most variations are normal. Significant deviations may need further evaluation with growth scans or Doppler studies.

4. How can I control my BPD during pregnancy?

You cannot control BPD directly, but maintaining good health, attending scans, and following medical advice ensures the optimum growth of the fetus.

Get the right solution today

Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
Maternity
Gynaecology
Fertility
Neonatal Care
Paediatric Care
NICU
PICU
Radiology
Physiotherapy
Nutrition and Dietetics
Breastfeeding Support
Allied Services
Stem Cell Banking
Bengaluru
Chandigarh
Chennai
Faridabad
Ghaziabad
Gurugram
Hyderabad
Jalandhar
Lucknow
Ludhiana
Mumbai
New Delhi
Noida
Panchkula
Pune
//form validation// //form validation 2//