Estimation of Fetal Weight: Comparative Study Between Clinical Methods and Ultrasound Examination

Abstract

Introduction: Estimation of fetal weight is important for antenatal and intrapartum clinical decisionmaking. Accurate estimates are essential, since abnormal fetal growth may be associated with perinatal and maternal risk. This study aimed to compare the accuracy of the three most commonly used techniques, abdominal palpation and ultrasound, carried out near to and at term by comparing to the weight at birth. Methods: Present study included 100 singleton pregnancies who were recruited from a tertiary care institute of North India (JAIPUR GOLDEN HOSPITAL DELHI) . Anthropometric measurements were taken such as symphysio- fundal height, abdominal circumference etc. Ultrasound estimation was also done. Comparison of the estimation methods were done to see the accuracy of above methods. Results: Primigravida were 50% with 77% participants with gestational age of 38 weeks or more. Mean actual weight was 2.92 kg followed by Johnson (2.89 kg) and Ultrasound methods (2.85 kg). Correlation coefcient was highest for ultrasound (r=0.943) with actual weight. Error was lowest with ultrasound (145 grams) followed by Johnson's (207 grams). Conclusion: Ultrasound is easy to use and newer advancements have made fetal weight estimation accurate. Ultrasound training is also essential to make the fetal weight estimation with minimum error.