Which method is utilized to ascertain gestational age prior to 23 weeks in stillborn cases?

Measuring foot length is considered a reliable method for determining gestational age prior to 23 weeks in stillborn cases due to its ease of use and specific correlation with gestational age. The growth of the fetus follows a predictable pattern, and various measurements, including foot length, can provide important clues about how far along the pregnancy was at the time of stillbirth.

Research has shown that foot length correlates well with gestational age, especially in early gestation. This method is advantageous because it is non-invasive, does not expose the remains to radiation, and can be performed even when other modalities may not be available.

While other methods, such as ultrasound or x-ray analysis, may be used for assessing gestational age, they have limitations. Ultrasound may not be as effective in stillborn cases if the quality of the images is poor or if there is difficulty visualizing the fetus due to challenges associated with post-mortem examination. Similarly, x-ray analysis involves radiation exposure, which is not ideal in such scenarios. Measuring fetal heart rate is not applicable in stillborn cases, as there is no fetal heart activity to assess.

Thus, when evaluating gestational age specifically in stillborn cases prior to 23 weeks, measuring foot length