Abstract
Background: Fetal weight estimation is an important factor for decisions about the delivery mode and the timing of labor induction specially at term birth weight is a major determinant of infant mortality in first year of life and mortality rate is more sensitive to birth weight than gestational age.
Objectives: Assessment of fetal weight at term pregnancy by Clinical method and Ultrasonography (USG) and compare the accuracy of each with the birth weight.
Study design:-A prospective study was conducted in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology & Department of Radiology, in TMMC & RC Moradabad, over a period of 12 months.
Material & Methods: 100 pregnant women between gestational ages 37 to 40 weeks who were admitted in the ward for delivery were included in the study. After taking Informed consent detailed history and clinical examination was done as per pretested proforma. The actual birth weight was compared with the in-utero fetal weight estimated by symphysiofundal height (SFH) measurement using Johnsons Formula and ultrasonographic Hadlock’s formula.
Results: In our study the fetal weight estimation by clinical method and ultrasound was comparable to the actual birth weight. Estimated fetal weight (EFW) by Ultrasound offers no advantage over clinician’s EFW when performed during late pregnancy or labour. An EFW should be recorded in the assessment of all patients who are at term and again when they are in labour, with full awareness of the limitations of the methods for making such estimates. The estimation of fetal weight by SFH measurement is useful alternative, where USG is not available or affordable. This simple method of fetal weight estimation is useful particularly in remote areas where there is shortage of experienced medical personnel and to decide the mode of delivery and place of delivery.
Keywords: SFH, Johnsons Formula, Hadlock’s Formula, Estimated Fetal Weight (EFW), Actual Birth Weight.
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Corresponding Author
Dr Prachi Singh
G 203, Faculty Block, TMU, Moradabad (UP), India
Mobile no:-8218770640, Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.18535/jmscr/v6i7.118
