Abstract
BackgroundA reliable prediction of foetal birth weight aids in decision regarding time and mode of delivery.AimThis study aimed to determine the accuracy of the product of symphysio-fundal height and abdominal girth in predicting birth weight among pregnant women in Keffi, Nigeria.SettingThe study involved pregnant women presenting for delivery at the Federal Medical Centre, Keffi, Nigeria from July to October 2017.MethodsOne hundred and fifty-three pregnant women at term with singleton foetuses were recruited by systematic random sampling. An interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to obtain their socio-demographic data, past medical and obstetric history. Symphysio-fundal height and abdominal girth measurements were used to calculate the estimated foetal weight. This was compared with the actual birth weight. Absolute percentage error was used to determine the overall predictive error of Dare’s formula. Data were analysed using SPSS version 20.0. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05 and 95% confidence level.ResultsThe mean age of the participants was 29.65 ± 5.15 years. The mean gestational age was 39.5 ± 1.2 weeks. There was a significant correlation (r = 0.52, p < 0.001) between the estimated foetal weight and the actual birth weight. Ninety (66.2%) of the babies within normal weight and six (85.7%) of macrosomic babies were correctly predicted. None of the low birth weight babies was correctly predicted by the formula.ConclusionDare’s formula accurately predicted normal weight and macrosomic babies, but less accurately predicted low birth weight babies.
Highlights
Birth weight is the first weight of the newborn obtained shortly after birth.[1]. It is a measure of foetal growth and a composite of many components, including bone, internal organs, muscle, fat and fluids
It was a cross-sectional analytical study conducted from 10 July to 31 October 2017 at the labour ward of the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Keffi
Women whose gestational ages could be confirmed by last menstrual date or ultrasound dating at or before 20 weeks gestation
Summary
Birth weight is the first weight of the newborn obtained shortly after birth.[1] It is a measure of foetal growth and a composite of many components, including bone, internal organs, muscle, fat and fluids. It is an important determinant of perinatal outcomes. The determinants of birth weight include gestational age at delivery, maternal race and other parental, environmental and pregnancy-specific factors.[2] The normal birth weight ranges between 2500 g and 4000 g. A reliable prediction of foetal birth weight aids in decision regarding time and mode of delivery
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