Abstract

Comparison of the accuracy of clinical methods for estimation of fetal weight

Estimation of fetal weight (EFW) is one of the essential measures for labor and delivery. While the use of ultrasonography for EFW is costly, may not work in some centers. So, to make a non- ultrasound method for EFW is important. This study aimed to compare the accuracy of various clinical methods for EFW with the actual birth weight at term pregnancy. A cross-sectional study conducted on 98 pregnant women who were admitted for delivery with gestational age of 37-42 weeks, singleton pregnancy and cephalic presentation in Imam Khomeini hospital, Ahvaz. The fetal weight was anticipated by a midwife through abdominal palpation (using Leopold's maneuvers), measurements of symphysis-fundal height and abdominal girth, and also three formulas. The results were analyzed using the software SPSS version 20 and SATA11. The actual average birth weight was3242.85±43.37 gr. A significant positive correlation was observed between actual birth weight and clinically estimated weight. Kappa coefficient was > 0.8 when all studied methods were compared with the actual weight. This agreement was greater on abdominal palpation and Risanto’s formula, respectively. In the present study, abdominal palpation and Risanto's formula are more accurate for predicting fetal weight. Since these methods are quick, simple and costeffective for EFW so, they can be a useful alternative instead of routine ultrasonography.

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