Estimation of fetal weight by clinical method and its comparison with ultrasonography and its correlation with actual birth weight in term singleton pregnancy

Abstract

Background: Not just in the management of labour and delivery, but also in the treatment of high-risk pregnancies and growth tracking, fetal weight assessment is important. Objective: This study is to determine which method of fetal weight estimation is more accurate which helps inappropriate decision making as ultrasound is not readily available in case of emergencies and also it is an additional burden on sonologist during emergencies. Materials and Methods: This prospective comparative study was carried out at the Obstetrics and Gynecology Department and Radio-diagnosis of GSL Medical College from September 2020 to February 2021. These clinical and ultrasonographic fetal weights are compared with actual weights. Results: 2 patients delivered babies with actual birth weights in the range of 1.5-2 kg, 13 patients g between 2.1 and 2.5 kg, 29 patients between 2.6-3.0 kg, 21 patients between 3.1 and 3.5 kg and 5 patients between 3.6 and 4.0.kg. Hadlock’s and Dare’s equations anticipated mean birth weights of 2.90 and 3.07 kg, respectively. Conclusion: Studies indicated that ultrasonographically estimated fetal weight is no better than the clinical for predicting fetal weight. Clnical estimates appear to be as accurate as ultrasonographic estimates where ultrasound is not available.