ABSTRACT
Timing of examination. The ultrasound appearance of the fetal face varies significantly throughout gestation, owing to the progressive accumulation of adipose tissue, especially at the level of the maxilla and the chin. This explains
why the fetal face appears extremely thin and bony until 23-24 weeks; thereafter, the facial features will progressively smooth to acquire individual features in the 3rd trimester (30-32 gestational weeks) (Figures 3.1 and 3.2).
