Sonographic Versus Clinical Fetal Weight Estimation Accuracy

Abstract

Background: Sonographic fetal weight estimation is an important component of antenatal care. It was found to be more reliable method to establish fetal weight at term and more consistent in various period of gestations. Aim of study: to compare clinical and sonographic methods for assessment of fetal weight regarding sensitivity, specificity and accuracy. Subjects and Methods: The study recruited 100 women scheduled for delivery from ante-natal care clinic with 38 weeks or more of gestation. Fetal weight was assed clinically and by ultrasound. Both techniques were compared and analyzed. Results: Ultrasound assessment of fetal weight showed better performance than the clinical method regarding absolute errors and error percentages. Ultrasound assessment showed better sensitivity and specificity in detecting fetal weight > 3500 gm. Moreover, it showed less bias on Bland–Altman plot analysis. Conclusions: Ultrasound assessment of fetal weight is safe, reliable and sensitive method of fetal weight estimation.