Estimation of fetal weight by ultrasonic examination.

PURPOSE This study was to evaluate the accuracy and clinical application of a new technique in the fetal weight estimation by ultrasound. METHODS The fetal biparietal diameter (BPD), head circumference (HC) and femur length (FL) were measured by ultrasound examination within one week before delivery. Two different fetal abdominal sectors were measured for the assessment of abdominal circumference (AC). The fetal weight of 516 singleton fetuses was estimated according to above measurements and their actual birth weight was recorded after delivery. RESULTS There were no significant differences in the fetal AC or body weight evaluated before delivery and recorded after delivery. CONCLUSION This new technique is more convenient and applicable for the evaluation of fetal AC as compared to standard method, and seems to be reliable and accurate for the assessment of fetal weight.