Comparison of clinical and ultrasonographic estimation of fetal weight

Abstract

The categorization of fetal weight as small or large for gestational age may lead to timed obstetric interventions. At Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital fetal macrosomia has been associated with maternal mortality and morbidity because of shoulder dystocia and birth asphyxia and trauma and in severe cases obstructed labor and uterine rupture. The accurate estimation of fetal weight is therefore of paramount importance in the management of labor and delivery. Although some investigators consider sonographic estimates to be superior to clinical estimates others who have compared the techniques concurrently conclude that they confer similar levels of accuracy. The present prospective comparative study was carried out at the Obstetrics unit of Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex Ile-Ife Nigeria between January 3 2004 and May 31 2004 to determine the accuracy of clinical vs. sonographic estimation of fetal weight in this setting. A total of 100 consecutive pregnant women who fulfilled the inclusion criteria had their pregnancy duration confirmed by date of last menstruation and ultrasonographic scan before the 22nd week of pregnancy. (excerpt)