title: Estimation of volume and weight of the perinate: relationship to morphometric measurement by ultrasonography.
abstract: A method of determining fetal weight in utero was developed by use of real-time ultrasonography. A volume model representing trunk and limbs as cylinders with dimensions related to morphometric parameters was tested on 60 neonates. Head volumes in these 60 neonates were determined from equations relating head morphometric measures to head volume in 30 neonatal autopsy specimens. Head density and trunk and limb density were determined separately on the 60 neonates by study of the variation in overall density with body proportions. From these density and volume values, total body mass was estimated. The deviation of neonatal weight estimates from actual weights at three days postpartum was +/- 4.1 per cent (1 SD). The validity of this method for fetal weight determination was tested by in utero ultrasonographic measurement of 31 fetuses before delivery by cesarean section. The deviation of the weight estimate from the actual weight at three days postpartum was +/- 8.1 per cent (1 SD), or +/- 7.4 per cent (absolute mean error).
mesh_terms: D055592:Biophysical Phenomena; D001703:Biophysics; D001724:Birth Weight; D001835:Body Weight; D003720:Densitometry; D005260:Female; D005333:Fetus / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008954:Models, Biological; D011247:Pregnancy; D014465:Ultrasonics