Mary was excited to visit the obstetrician. At 38 weeks of gestation, Mary was tired of being pregnant! Mary’s doctor said that she would consider inducing labor if the fetus was ready.

The ultrasound technician took a measurement of the fetus’ femur in millimetres from the

computer screen. It was consistent with 39 weeks of gestation. She also measured the amount

of amniotic fluid in the spaces between the fetus’ body and the interior of the womb. The

combination of the femur length and the smaller-than-normal amount of amniotic fluid

influenced the doctor’s decision to approve an induction that afternoon. At birth, the baby

weighed 5 lbs 13 oz, and her development was consistent with 35–36 weeks gestation—

clearly, this fetus was not ready to be born.

How important are measurements to health professionals in their decision making? What

other factors might have the physician considered?