Ultrasound Estimation Of Fetal Weight Research Articles

Estimation of fetal weight at term by clinical and sonographic assessment and its correlation with the birth weight – A prospective cohort study in a tertiary care hospital

Estimation of fetal weight is necessary to decide on the time and route of delivery. Different clinical and ultrasound methods for estimating fetal weight are followed by different institutions. Antenatal assessment of fetal weight is necessary to achieve better feto-maternal outcomes. The objectives of this study were: (a) fetal weight estimation by ultrasound (Hadlock’s formula) and clinical methods (Johnson’s formula and Dare’s formula) and (b) to compare them with the actual weight of the baby after birth. A prospective cohort study was conducted in a tertiary care centre at Puducherry, India including all singleton, term pregnant women with vertex presentation, normal AFI and BMI <35 kg/m who delivered within the next 48 hours of assessment. The agreement between the different methods of fetal weight estimation and actual birth weight were calculated using intraclass correlation coefficient. Bland and Altman plot was done to identify the intervals of agreements. A total of 400 term antenatal women with age range of 17 to 44 years participated in the study. Intraclass correlation coefficient for Johnson’s formula was 0.816, Dare’s formula was 0.672 and Hadlock’s formula was 0.912. All the three methods had statistically significant correlation with the actual birth weight. Ultrasound estimation of fetal weight is the best out of the three methods and it correlated well with the actual birth weight. Johnson’s formula also gave results close to actual birth weight. With a correlation coefficient comparable to that of ultrasound estimation, Johnson’s formula can be used in low resource settings where ultrasound facilities are not available.

Accuracy of Antenatal Ultrasound in Predicting Large for Gestational Age Babies: Population Based Cohort Study

Pregnancies with large for gestational age fetuses are at increased risk of adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes. There is uncertainty about how to manage birth in such pregnancies. Current guidelines recommend a discussion with women of the pros and cons of options including expectant management, induction of labour and caesarean birth. For women to be able to make an informed decision about birth, antenatal detection of large for gestational age is essential. To investigate the ability of antenatal ultrasound scans to predict large for gestational age at birth. In this retrospective cohort study, we analysed data from a routinely collected database from the West Midlands, United Kingdom. We included pregnancies that had an antenatal ultrasound estimated fetal weight between 35+0 and 38+0 weeks gestation for any indication, as well as a subgroup where the reason for scan was that the fetus was suspected to be big. Large for gestational age was defined as >90th customized GROW centile, for estimated fetal weight as well as for neonatal weight. We also tested performance of an uncustomized standard, with Hadlock fetal weight >90th centile and neonatal weight >4kg. We calculated diagnostic characteristics for the whole population as well as groups with different maternal body mass indices. The study cohort consisted of 26,527 pregnancies which on average had a scan at 256 days gestation and delivered 20 days later at a median of 276 days (interquartile range 15). In total 2241 (8.4%) of neonates were large for gestational age by customized centiles, of which 1459 (65.1%) had a scan estimated fetal weight >90th centile, with a false positive rate of 8.6% and a positive predictive value of 41.0%. In the subgroup of 912 (3.4%) pregnancies scanned for a suspected large fetus, 293 (32.1%) babies were large for gestational age at birth, giving a positive predictive value of 50.3%, with sensitivity of 77.1% and false positive rate 36.0%. When comparing subgroups from low (<18.5kg/m2) to high body mass index (>30kg/m2), sensitivity increased from 55.6 to 67.8%, false positive rate from 5.2 to 11.5% and positive predictive value from 32.1 to 42.3%. A total of 2585 (9.7%) babies were macrosomic (birthweight >4kg), and of these 1058 (40.9%) were large for gestational age (>90th centile) antenatally by Hadlock's growth standard, with a false positive rate of 4.9% and a positive predictive value 41.0%. Analysis within subgroups showed better performance by customized compared to uncustomized standards for low body mass index (<18.5; diagnostic odds ratio 23.0 vs 6.4) and high body mass index (>30; diagnostic odds ration 16.2 vs 8.8). Late third trimester ultrasound estimation of fetal weight for any indication has good ability to identify and predict large for gestational age at birth, and improves with the use of a customised standard. Detection rate is better when ultrasound is performed for a suspected large fetus, however at the risk of higher false positive diagnosis. Our results provide information for women and clinicians to aid antenatal decision making about birth of a fetus suspected of being large for gestational age.

Comparative study of fetal weight estimation by various methods at term and its correlation with the actual birth weight

&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; INTRODUCTION: Modern obstetrics aims to achieve the best quality of life for both mother and her unborn child. Birth weight is an important predictor of neonatal outcome, and its prenatal estimation plays a significant role in the comprehensive evaluation and management of high- risk pregnancies. This study aims to estimate fetal weight using different clinical methods and ultrasonography and compare these methods with the actual birth weight.&#x0D; METHODS: A prospective cross-sectional comparative study of 200 full-term pregnant women admitted to the Northern Railway Central Hospital, New Delhi, between June 2014 and June 2015 was conducted. Patients in whom delivery was anticipated and completed within 1 week were included. Fetal weights were estimated clinically using Insler’s and Johnson’s formula and ultrasound using Hadlock’s formula. Estimates were then compared with actual birth weight. RESULTS: Both the clinical methods showed underestimation of fetal weight, while ultrasound estimation of fetal weight showed overestimation. Clinical methods had a lower average error in fetal weight estimation than ultrasonography methods. Reliability statistics showed a better prediction of fetal weight if all three methods were used in conjunction.&#x0D; CONCLUSION: Clinical methods were found to be better than the ultrasonography method for fetal weight estimation. Clinical methods are easy and cost-effective for the patients, so all relevant health workers should be taught how to undertake this skill competently. However, all the methods must be used in conjunction.&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D;

Information sharing and communication in management of large for gestational age babies in non‐diabetic mothers

Key content There is no specific UK guideline on how to identify or manage large for gestational age (LGA) fetuses in non‐diabetic mothers. There is conflicting evidence with regard to the optimal mode and timing of delivery in such women and babies in order to minimise the possible risks. Pre‐delivery patient–clinician discussion on management and mode of delivery in LGA babies can be challenging due to the lack of conclusive evidence and guidance for both screening and interventions, but it is crucial in order to facilitate information sharing, counselling and collaborative decision making. Decision‐making tools could help to facilitate these discussions and ensure ‘material risks’ are discussed. Learning objectives To be aware of the limitations of available methods for screening for LGA fetuses, specifically symphyseal fundal height and ultrasound estimation of fetal weight. To understand the lack of robust evidence for obstetric interventions, which makes it difficult to convey clear information in a practical and useful way. To consider the use of decision‐making tools (such as BRAIN and iDECIDE), which can provide a framework for shared decision making, particularly when the evidence is limited or conflicting. These tools offer a structure which empowers patients to weigh up information as well as assist clinicians in determining what is considered ‘material risk’ when counselling in line with the Montgomery ruling. Ethical issues The Montgomery ruling advises that doctors must discuss any ‘material risks’ involved in a proposed treatment and offer other reasonable alternatives. Clinicians, therefore, have a duty to be transparent about the lack of strong evidence to recommend one mode of birth over another but at the same time acknowledge that individual preference and perceptions need to be explored to enable personalised decision making.

Perinatal and Maternal Outcomes According to the Accurate Term Antepartum Ultrasound Estimation of Extreme Fetal Weights.

(1) Background: The accuracy of ultrasound estimation of fetal weight (EFW) at term may be useful in addressing obstetric complications since birth weight (BW) is a parameter that represents an important prognostic factor for perinatal and maternal morbidity. (2) Methods: In a retrospective cohort study of 2156 women with a singleton pregnancy, it is verified whether or not perinatal and maternal morbidity differs between extreme BWs estimated at term by ultrasound within the seven days prior to birth with Accurate EFW (difference < 10% between EFW and BW) and those with Non-Accurate EFW (difference ≥ 10% between EFW and BW). (3) Results: Significantly worse perinatal outcomes (according to different variables such as higher rate of arterial pH at birth < 7.20, higher rate of 1-min Apgar < 7, higher rate of 5-min Apgar < 7, higher grade of neonatal resuscitation and need for admission to the neonatal care unit) were found for extreme BW estimated by antepartum ultrasounds with Non-Accurate EFW compared with those with Accurate EFW. This was the case when extreme BWs were compared according to percentile distribution by sex and gestational age following the national reference growth charts (small for gestational age and large for gestational age), and when they were compared according to weight range (low birth weight and high birth weight). (4) Conclusions: Clinicians should make a greater effort when performing EFW by ultrasound at term in cases of suspected extreme fetal weights, and need to take an increasingly prudent approach to its management.

Intrauterine Growth Restriction-Prediction and Peripartum Data on Hospital Care.

Background and Objectives: We aimed to prospectively obtain data on pregnancies complicated with intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) in the Prenatal Diagnosis Unit of the Emergency County Hospital of Craiova. We collected the demographic data of mothers, the prenatal ultrasound (US) features, the intrapartum data, and the immediate postnatal data of newborns. We aimed to assess the detection rates of IUGR fetuses (the performance of the US in estimating the actual neonatal birth weight), to describe the prenatal care pattern in our unit, and to establish predictors for the number of total hospitalization days needed postnatally. Materials and Methods: Data were collected from cases diagnosed with IUGR undergoing prenatal care in our hospital. We compared the percentile of estimated fetal weight (EFW) using the Hadlock 4 technique with the percentile of weight at birth. We retrospectively performed a regression analysis to correlate the variables predicting the number of hospitalization days. Results: Data on 111 women were processed during the period of 1 September 2019-1 September 2022. We confirmed the significant differences in US features between early- (Eo) and late-onset (Lo) IUGR cases. The detection rates were higher if the EFW was lower, and Eo-IUGR was associated with a higher number of US scans. We obtained a mathematical formula for estimating the total number of hospitalization days needed postnatally. Conclusion: Early- and late-onset IUGR have different US features prenatally and different postnatal outcomes. If the US EFW percentile is lower, a prenatal diagnosis is more likely to be made, and a closer follow-up is offered in our hospital. The total number of hospitalization days may be predicted using intrapartum and immediate postnatal data in both groups, having the potential to optimize the final financial costs and to organize the neonatal department efficiently.

Impact of fetal biparietal diameter greater than 10 centimeters on mode of delivery

To evaluate the relationship between fetal biparietal diameter (BPD) greater than 10 cm on prenatal ultrasound and likelihood of successful vaginal delivery. This was a secondary analysis of a retrospective cohort of pregnancies resulting in delivery of live singleton fetuses at a single tertiary-care hospital 2007-2019, from which mode of delivery and biometry measurements from ultrasounds performed at 28-42 weeks’ gestation were available. Delivery outcomes of patients with fetal BPD >10cm in the third trimester were compared to those with BPD < 10cm. Generalized linear models were used to evaluate risk of vaginal delivery, adjusting for estimated fetal weight (EFW) percentile and gestational age at the time of ultrasound assessment. 17,402 pregnancies met inclusion criteria, of which 155 (0.89%) had a BPD >10.0 cm on ultrasound at 28-42 weeks and a known mode of delivery. Vaginal delivery occurred less often (33.93%) in pregnancies with a BPD >10.0 cm compared to those with BPD measurements < 10.0 cm (67.52%, p = < 0.01). However, after controlling for gestational age at ultrasound assessment and calculated EFW percentile, the relationship between vaginal delivery and BPD >10.0 cm was no longer statistically significant (RR 0.71 [95% CI 0.50-1.01], p=0.059). After adjusting for gestational age at ultrasound assessment and EFW percentile, Pregnancies with an increased fetal BPD >10 cm on third trimester ultrasound were as likely to achieve vaginal birth as those with a BPD < 10cm. This suggests that pregnancies with elevated fetal biparietal diameters should not be discouraged from attempting vaginal birth in absence of other contraindications to a trial of labor.

Early Onset Intrauterine Growth Restriction-Data from a Tertiary Care Center in a Middle-Income Country.

Background and Objectives: In this study, we aimed to describe the clinical and ultrasound (US) features and the outcome in a group of patients suspected of or diagnosed with early onset intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) requiring iatrogenic delivery before 32 weeks, having no structural or genetic fetal anomalies, managed in our unit. A secondary aim was to report the incidence of the condition in the population cared for in our hospital, data on immediate postnatal follow-up in these cases and to highlight the differences required in prenatal and postnatal care. Materials and Methods: We used as single criteria for defining the suspicion of early IUGR the sonographic estimation of fetal weight < p10 using the Hadlock 4 technique at any scan performed before 32 weeks’ gestation (WG). We used a cohort of patients having a normal evolution in pregnancy and uneventful vaginal births as controls. Data on pregnancy ultrasound, characteristics and neonatal outcomes were collected and analyzed. We hypothesized that the gestational age (GA) at delivery is related to the severity of the condition. Therefore, we performed a subanalysis in two subgroups, which were divided based on the GA at iatrogenic delivery (between 27+0 WG and 29+6 WG and 30+0−32+0 WG, respectively). Results: The prospective cohort study included 36 pregnancies. We had three cases of intrauterine fetal death (8.3%). The incidence was 1.98% in our population. We confirmed that severe cases (very early diagnosed and delivered) were associated with a higher number of prenatal visits and higher uterine arteries (UtA) pulsatility index (PI) centile in the third trimester—TT (compared with the early diagnosed and delivered). In the very early suspected IUGR subgroup, the newborns required significantly more NICU days and total hospitalization days. Conclusions: Patients with isolated very early and early IUGR—defined as ultrasound (US) estimation of fetal weight < p10 using the Hadlock 4 technique requiring iatrogenic delivery before 32 weeks’ gestation—require closer care prenatally and postnatally. These patients represent an economical burden for the health system, needing significantly longer hospitalization intervals, GA at birth and UtA PI centiles being related to it.

The Contribution of Ultrasonography to the Detection of Fetal Macrosomia in the Later Pregnancy and Its Impact on Neonatal Morbidity

Fetal macrosomia is associated with several maternal and fetal complications. Early detection of macrosomia may allow preventive measures to be taken to avoid the occurrence of these complications. The aim of our study was to evaluate the value of ultrasound in late pregnancy in the detection of fetal macrosomia and its impact on obstetric and neonatal outcomes. Patients and Methods: We conducted a retrospective cross-sectional study from 01 January to 31 June 2017. The study included 123 women who gave birth in the obstetric gynaecology department of the Groupe Hospitalier Intercommunal le Raincy-Montfermeil in France. The data were entered using Microsoft Excel 2013 and analysed with Epi info Version 6 software. The fisher's exact test and Pearson correlation were used with a significance level set at 0.05. Results: Out of 1082 live births, the incidence of fetal macrosomia was 6.3%. An emergency caesarean section was performed in 26.1% of cases. Neonatal status was better with a good Apgar (&gt;7) in 89%. There was a weak correlation of 0.01 between uterine height and birth weight of the child, but a significant correlation between ultrasound fetal weight estimation at the end of pregnancy and birth weight of the child was found (0.56). Conclusion: Screening for fetal macrosomia appears to be more effective in late pregnancy with ultrasound. Rigorous training in the technique of measuring ultrasound biometrics should be required.

EP38.05: The accuracy of ultrasound estimated fetal weight at 41 weeks of gestation prior to induction of labour: prospective study

To evaluate the accuracy of ultrasound estimated fetal weight (EFW) shortly before induction of labour in primiparous women induced by prologued gestation comparing accuracy of this measurement with third trimester ultrasound. Prospective study of 50 primiparous woman singleton pregnancies and cephalic presentation who were admitted to our unit for induction of labour due to prolonged gestation between April 2021 and December 2021. An ultrasound to estimated fetal weight 24h before induction was performed in all of them. Information of estimated fetal weight in third trimester was obtained from history records retrospectively. Both EFW were calculated using Hadlock formula and compared with birthweights. There was a high correlation between EFW at 41 weeks prior to labour induction and birthweight (R2 = 0.737, P < 0.001). EFW at third trimester ultrasound have not a good correlation with birthweight (R2 = 0.210, P > 0,143). The mean birthweight was 3469 ± 392 g. The mean EFW at 41 weeks was 4482 ± 414 g and mean absolute weight difference was −160 ± 293 g. The mean EFW in third trimester ultrasound was 2658 ± 262 g and mean absolute weight difference was 810 ± 423 g. Ultrasound EFW before induction of labour at 41 weeks is highly correlated with birthweight. Although, this trend used to overestimate fetal weight, their accuracy is superior than third trimester measurement. EFW should modified the way of delivery or monitorisation under labour (suspected fetal growth restriction), for that reason, we must look for the major accuracy.

The birth weight of macrosomia influence the accuracy of ultrasound estimation of fetal weight at term.

To evaluate and analyze the accuracy of ultrasound estimation of the fetal weight of Macrosomia at term. The instruments used were α6(Aloka; Japan) color Doppler ultrasound imagers, and vinno 80 (feieno; China) with a frequency of 3.5MHz. The formula used to calculate the estimated fetal birth weight (EFW) was that proposed by Hadlock et al. (Hadlock 2). The biparietal diameter (BPD), head circumference (HC), abdominal circumference (AC), and femur length (FL) measurements were performed strictly following the practice guidelines. Detailed measurement standards are shown in the figure and the table in the text. Macrosomia is typically defined as a birth weight above the 90th percentile for gestational age or >4000 g.Two indexes were used to calculate the error between EFW and birth weight (BW): Simple error (SE=BW - EFW); Absolute percentage error (APE, which reflects this percentage in absolute value, percentage error [PE=SE/BW] × 100). In order to better evaluate the measurement results, we made the following definitions: 1. When APE > 15%, the measurement deviation is significant. 2. The ratio of those cases with APE > 15% to the total number of cases measured by a sonographer was greater than 20%, indicating that the sonographer was prone to significant measurement deviation. A total of 374 cases were analyzed. The mean maternal age was 31.48 (±15.93) years. Each pregnant woman carries only one fetus. The mean gestational age at delivery was 39.93 (±0.84) weeks. There were 245 male infants (65.5%), 129 female infants (34.5%), 214 cesarean section (57.2%), and 160 vaginal delivery (42.7%). 339 cases (90.64%) were estimated to be lower than the actual BW. The estimated weight was higher than the actual weight in 35 cases, accounting for 9.36%.The APE>15% in 56 cases, accounting for 14.97%. The accuracy of estimated fetal weight was closely related to the BW of the fetus and had no significant correlation with the seniority of the physician, the gender of the fetus, and the fetal position. Studies on macrosomia have shown that the BW of macrosomia tends to be underestimated, which is also reflected in the results of this study. The accuracy of estimated fetal weight still needs to be improved. Our study found that the accuracy of estimated fetal weight was closely related to the BW of the fetus and had no significant correlation with the seniority of the physician, the gender of the fetus, and the fetal position. The correlation between the section and calculation formula on the measurement accuracy needs to be studied. Through systematic data analysis, we can find the doctors whose measurements are relatively inaccurate in our department and carry out targeted quality control to improve the measurement accuracy.

Vacuum-Assisted Delivery Complication Rates Based on Ultrasound-Estimated Fetal Weight.

This retrospective cohort study investigated the association between ultrasonographic estimated fetal weight (EFW) and adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes after vacuum-assisted delivery (VAD). It included women with singleton pregnancies at 34–41 weeks gestation, who underwent ultrasonographic pre-labor EFW and VAD in an academic institution, over 6 years. Adverse neonatal and maternal outcomes included shoulder dystocia, clavicular fracture, or third- and fourth-degree perineal tears. A receiver–operator characteristic curve was used to identify the optimal weight cut-off value to predict adverse outcomes. Fetuses above and below this point were compared. Multivariate analysis was used to control for factors that could lead to adverse outcomes. Eight-hundred and fifty women met the inclusion criteria and had sonographic EFW within two-weeks before delivery. Receiver–operator characteristic curve analysis found that ultrasonographic EFW 3666 g is the optimal threshold for adverse outcomes. Based on these results, outcomes were compared using EFW 3700 g. The average EFW in the ≥3700 g group (n = 220, 25.9%) was 3898 ± 154 g (average birthweight 3710 ± 324 g). In the group <3700 g (n = 630, 74.1%), average EFW was 3064 ± 411 g (birthweight 3120 ± 464 g). Shoulder dystocia and clavicular fractures were more frequent in the higher EFW group (6.4% and 2.3% vs. 1.6% and 0.5%, respectively; p < 0.05). Women in the ≥3700 g group experienced more third- and fourth-degree perineal tears (3.2% vs. 1%, p = 0.02). Multivariate logistic regression analysis found maternal age, diabetes and sonographic EFW ≥ 3700 g as independent risk-factors for adverse outcomes. Sonographic EFW ≥ 3700 g is an independent risk-factor for adverse outcomes in VAD. This should be considered when choosing the optimal mode of delivery.

FETAL ABDOMINAL SUBCUTANEOUS TISSUE THICKNESS FOR ESTIMATING FETAL BIRTH WEIGHT MEASURED BY ULTRASOUND – ITS RELIABILITY AND ACCURACY IN INDIAN POPULATION

Context: Estimated Fetal weight (EFW) inuences the management and outcome of pregnancy. Commonly used ultrasound fetal weight estimation like Hadlock four parameter method(Hadlock-4) based on fetal biometry is widely used. These formulas show variable degrees of error which is more evident in fetuses with nutritional and metabolic issues; better accuracy of fetal weight estimation can be obtained by incorporation of fetal soft tissue parameters like the fetal subcutaneous tissue in the weight estimation process. To determine if measurement of fetalAims: abdominal subcutaneous tissue thickness (FASTT) for Estimating Fetal birth weight by ultrasound in Indian population. Settings and Design: Method and Materials:Prospective observational study, A study was done in Department of Radio- diagnosis facility of K.V.G. Medical College and Hospital, Sullia, enrolling 100 women of third trimeter pregnancy who underwent ultrasonography and delivered within one week of scan. Abdominal subcutaneous fat tissue thickness of the fetuses was measured, from the inner to the outer aspect of the echogenic subcutaneous fat at the level of the abdominal circumference (AC). Pearson coefcient. Mean age of 100 ladies enrolled was 26 years and 4 months.Statistical analysis used: Results: FASTT was positively correlated with actual birth weight (Pearson's, r = 0.69, p &lt; 0.001). FASTT of &gt; 8.9 mm was sensitive to predict large for gestational age (LGA) babies. FASTT can be used as an additional indicator to predict large forConclusion: gestational age babies along with other known birth weight indicators to make it more reliable in Indian context.

Association between amniotic fluid index at term and ultrasound estimation of fetal weight and actual birth weight: an observational cross-sectional study

Association between amniotic fluid index at term and ultrasound estimation of fetal weight and actual birth weight: an observational cross-sectional study

Assessing fetal growth in Africa: Application of the international WHO and INTERGROWTH-21st standards in a Beninese pregnancy cohort.

Fetal growth restriction is a major complication of pregnancy and is associated with stillbirth, infant death and child morbidity. Ultrasound monitoring of pregnancy is becoming more common in Africa for fetal growth monitoring in clinical care and research, but many countries have no national growth charts. We evaluated the new international fetal growth standards from INTERGROWTH-21st and WHO in a cohort from southern Benin. Repeated ultrasound and clinical data were collected in women from the preconceptional RECIPAL cohort (241 women with singleton pregnancies, 964 ultrasounds). We modelled fetal biometric parameters including abdominal circumference (AC) and estimated fetal weight (EFW) and compared centiles to INTERGROWTH-21st and WHO standards, using the Bland and Altman method to assess agreement. For EFW, we used INTERGROWTH-21st standards based on their EFW formula (IG21st) as well as a recent update using Hadlock's EFW formula (IG21hl). Proportions of fetuses with measurements under the 10th percentile were compared. Maternal malaria and anaemia prevalence was 43% and 69% respectively and 11% of women were primigravid. Overall, the centiles in the RECIPAL cohort were higher than that of INTERGROWTH-21st and closer to that of WHO. Consequently, the proportion of fetuses under 10th percentile thresholds was systematically lower when applying IG21st compared to WHO standards. At 27-31 weeks and 33-38 weeks, respectively, 7.4% and 5.6% of fetuses had EFW <10th percentile using IG21hl standards versus 10.7% and 11.6% using WHO standards. Despite high anemia and malaria prevalence in the cohort, IG21st and WHO standards did not identify higher than expected proportions of fetuses under the 10th percentiles of ultrasound parameters or EFW. The proportions of fetuses under the 10th percentile threshold for IG21st charts were particularly low, raising questions about its use to identify growth-restricted fetuses in Africa.

Accuracy of ultrasound estimation of fetal weight at term: A comparison of shepard and hadlock methods.

Background:Ultrasound measurement provides a noninvasive means of obtaining information about fetal weight and may help in necessary preparations at and after delivery. Although some ultrasound methods include only one or two fetal indices, others, to improve accuracy, incorporate either three or all the four fetal indices. The aim of this report is to assess the accuracy of two different methods for fetal weight estimation.Materials and Methods:This was a prospective study of 170 consecutive pregnant women at term. Ultrasound was used to estimate fetal weight by the Shepard and Hadlock methods, and the actual birth weight (ABW) was determined at birth. The ultrasound-estimated fetal weights (EFWs) and ABW were analyzed.Results:The women were aged 21–42 years (mean 31.3 ± 7 years). The EFW using the Shepard method was 1.9 kg–5.0 kg (mean 3.6 ± 0.5 kg) and 1.8 kg–4.4 kg (mean 3.3 ± 0.4 kg) for Hadlock method, and ABW was 2.0 kg–4.5 kg (mean 3.4 ± 0.5 kg). The mean EFW using the Shepard method was significantly higher than that of ABW (P < 0.001). The Shepard method significantly overestimated macrosomia compared to that by the ABW. There was no significant difference in microsomia rate between the two methods and ABW.Conclusion:The Hadlock method was more accurate at estimating fetal weight compared to the Shepard method and is recommended for the ultrasound estimation of fetal weight in our setting and similar settings.

Vacuum-assisted delivery complications rate based on ultrasound-estimated fetal weight

Studies evaluating complications of operative vaginal deliveries based on ultrasound estimated fetal weight (EFW) are sparse. This study investigated the association between high ultrasound EFW (≥3700 g) and adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes during vacuum-assisted delivery (VAD).

Effect of maternal obesity on estimation of fetal birth weight using ultrasonography

Fetal ultrasound (US) is used to assess fetal anatomy and fetal growth. In overweight or obese women there is additional adipose tissues in the abdomen which degrades image quality. As nearly 7.5% of women of childbearing age have a body mass index (BMI, kg/m2) ≥ 40, it is increasingly important to understand the accuracy of US estimation of fetal weight (EFW) in women with high BMI. We aimed to determine the accuracy of US EFW in women with a BMI ≥ 40.

Can ultrasound-estimated fetal weight (EFW) after 24 weeks of pregnancy identify placental dysfunction that could result in a small-for-gestational-age (SGA) infant?

Can ultrasound-estimated fetal weight (EFW) after 24 weeks of pregnancy identify placental dysfunction that could result in a small-for-gestational-age (SGA) infant?

VP45.24: Systematic ultrasound fetal weight estimation in labour room: is it safe?

VP45.24: Systematic ultrasound fetal weight estimation in labour room: is it safe?