title: Clinical versus ultrasound estimation of fetal weight.
abstract: A prospective study was carried out on 50 patients who had their fetal weight estimated by 3 clinicians of different seniority and compared to the ultrasound estimated fetal weights using 3 different formulas. All the patients delivered within 24 hours of their clinical and ultrasound estimates. A wide range of birth-weights (1,800-4,500 g) was estimated among the 3 different races (Malay, Chinese and Indians). The results showed that there was no significant difference in birth-weight estimation amongst the 3 clinicians as well as between the 3 ultrasound formulas used. There was however significant difference between these 2 groups when compared with the actual birthweight with clinical estimation being superior to ultrasound estimation in our population. This level of significance did not extend beyond 4,000 g fetal weight (actual) thus making both clinical and ultrasound estimation of fetal weight equally accurate after 4,000 g. This has important implications for developing countries where there is a lack of technologically advanced ultrasound machines capable of doing sophisticated functions like fetal weight estimations but has experienced clinicians who could perform this function equally well if not better.
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University Hospital, Kuala Lumpur, West Malaysia.
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Raman
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Urquhart
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Yusof
mesh_terms: D001724:Birth Weight; D001835:Body Weight; D002983:Clinical Competence; D005260:Female; D005333:Fetus / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D010173:Palpation; D011247:Pregnancy; D011446:Prospective Studies; D044469:Racial Groups; D016216:Ultrasonography, Prenatal