Abnormal Biparietal Diameter C6055511
An atypical measurement of the width of the fetal head during pregnancy. This is measured during prenatal care to assess baby development. Further evaluation may be recommended.
Key facts at a glance
- ICD-10
- Q84.9
- ICD-11
- LA00.0
- Body system
- congenital
- Severity
- mild
- Chronic
- true
Signs and symptoms
Common signs and symptoms that may indicate this condition.
Warning signs - seek immediate care
Increased intracranial pressure
Signs include bulging fontanelle, vomiting, irritability, and sunset sign in infants; may indicate hydrocephalus.
Seek immediate medical attention if signs of increased intracranial pressure develop—this is a medical emergency.
Seizures
Epileptic episodes that may manifest as rhythmic jerking, staring spells, or subtle motor activity in infants.
Seizures require immediate medical evaluation; call emergency services if seizure lasts more than 5 minutes.
Hydrocephalus
Accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid in the brain ventricles causing head enlargement and increased pressure.
Urgent neurosurgical consultation required; this condition can become life-threatening if untreated.
Small head circumference
(neurologic)Fetal or neonatal head measurement below the 3rd percentile for gestational age, indicating restricted brain growth.
Frequency: 80-90% of patients
Abnormal head shape
(congenital)Dolichocephaly (long, narrow head) or other cranial deformities observed on ultrasound or physical examination.
Frequency: 70-80% of patients
Developmental delays
(neurologic)Delayed achievement of motor milestones such as head control, sitting, and walking in infancy.
Frequency: 50-60% of patients
Feeding difficulties
(gastrointestinal)Infants may have poor suck reflex, difficulty breastfeeding, or inadequate oral intake leading to poor weight gain.
Frequency: 40-50% of patients
Abnormal muscle tone
(neurologic)Infants may present with increased tone (hypertonia) or decreased tone (hypotonia) affecting movement and posture.
Frequency: 35-45% of patients
Vision abnormalities
(neurologic)Difficulty with visual tracking, nystagmus, or optic nerve atrophy potentially affecting visual development.
Frequency: 10-15% of patients
Failure to thrive
(constitutional)Inadequate weight gain and growth velocity falling below standard growth curve percentiles.
Frequency: 40-50% of patients
Diagnosis and tests
How this condition is diagnosed and what test results mean.
Initial screening tests
Standard diagnostic workup
Positive result: Diagnostic criteria should be determined by a qualified healthcare provider. [Content pending medical review.]
Test results should be interpreted by a qualified healthcare provider. [Content pending medical review.]
Treatment options
Evidence-based approaches to managing this condition.
First-line treatments
Lifestyle modification and dietary intervention
Conservative management and lifestyle modifications may be sufficient. Monitor symptoms.
Serial ultrasound assessment
Regular ultrasound monitoring to track biparietal diameter measurements over time and assess fetal growth patterns.
Maternal nutritional optimization
Comprehensive dietary assessment and counseling to ensure adequate protein, iron, folate, and caloric intake supporting optimal fetal development.
Additional treatment options
Detailed anatomic ultrasound
Level II ultrasound examination to evaluate overall fetal anatomy and identify any associated structural concerns related to growth measurements.
procedureMaternal health optimization
Blood pressure monitoring, glucose screening, and management of maternal conditions that may affect fetal growth parameters.
monitoringActivity modification and rest
Appropriate activity level assessment with recommendations for rest when medically indicated, balanced with gentle physical activity.
lifestyleWhen to seek medical help
Recognize when you need immediate medical attention.
Schedule an appointment soon
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about this topic.
What is Abnormal Biparietal Diameter C6055511?
Please consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalized medical information about this condition. [Content pending medical review.]
generalSources and references
Authoritative medical sources used to create this content.
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Practice Bulletin No. 204: Fetal Growth Restriction. Obstetrics & Gynecology. 2019;133(2):e97-e109.
Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine. Electronic address: [email protected]. SMFM Clinical Guideline #8: Fetal growth estimation. American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology. 2023;228(5S):S858-S868.
Papageorghiou AT, Ohuma EA, Altman DG, et al. International standards for fetal growth based on serial ultrasound measurements: the Fetal Growth Longitudinal Study of the INTERGROWTH-21st Project. The Lancet. 2014;384(9946):869-879.
Salomon LJ, Alfirevic Z, Da Silva Costa F, et al. ISUOG Practice Guidelines: ultrasound assessment of fetal biometry and growth. Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology. 2019;53(6):715-723.
Khalil A, Alfirevic Z. Routine ultrasound at 32 weeks versus ultrasound at 36 weeks for detection of fetal growth restriction. The Lancet. 2019;394(10214):2061-2062.
Caradeux J, Martinez-Portilla RJ, Peguero A, et al. Third trimester fetal growth assessment by ultrasound: a longitudinal study. Prenatal Diagnosis. 2019;39(13):1245-1255.
Cunningham FG, Leveno KJ, Bloom SL, et al. Williams Obstetrics. 25th ed. New York: McGraw-Hill; 2018.
International Association of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology. ISUOG Practice Guidelines: performance of first-trimester fetal ultrasound scan. Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology. 2019;53(1):4-12.
Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists. Green-top Guideline No. 31: The Investigation and Management of the Small-for-Gestational-Age Fetus. London: RCOG; 2014 (reaffirmed 2020).
Mongelli M, Ek S, Tambyrajia RG. Screening for fetal growth restriction: a mathematical model of the effect of time of detection and intervention. Obstetrics & Gynecology. 2003;101(3):435-441.
Medication Comparisons
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This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
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Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 25, 2026. · Read our editorial policy