Comparative Analysis of Clinical Methods and Ultrasound for Predicting Expected Fetal Weight Against Actual Birth Weight in Term Pregnancies

Abstract

Background: Accurate prediction of fetal weight is crucial for managing term pregnancies. This study aims to compare clinical methods with ultrasound in predicting expected fetal weight and its correlation with actual birth weight.
Objectives: To evaluate the accuracy of clinical methods for estimating fetal weight and to assess the performance of ultrasound in predicting fetal weight compared to actual birth weight at delivery.
Methods: A total of 200 term pregnant women were included in this prospective observational study. Inclusion criteria encompassed women aged 18-40 years with singleton pregnancies at term (37-42 weeks). Exclusion criteria included multiple pregnancies, congenital anomalies, and women with significant medical conditions. Fetal weight was estimated using clinical methods (Leopold's maneuvers and symphysiofundal height) and ultrasound measurements. Actual birth weight was recorded post-delivery.
Results: The study found that ultrasound was significantly more accurate in predicting fetal weight compared to clinical methods. The correlation coefficient between ultrasound predictions and actual birth weight was higher than that of clinical methods.
Conclusion: Ultrasound is superior to clinical methods for predicting fetal weight in term pregnancies, facilitating better clinical decision-making and management of labor.
Keywords: fetal weight, ultrasound, clinical methods, birth weight, term pregnancies.