Comparison Between Accuracy of Sonographic Fetal Weight Estimation Versus Actual Baby Weight at the Time of Birth

Abstract: Estimation of fetal weight before the birth is a key to plan a safe mode of delivery. It helps to overcome many health outcomes in later life. Objective: To compare accuracy of sonographic fetal weight estimation versus actual baby weight at the time of birth. Methods: A prospective comparative study with a sample size of 108 was conducted, at Diagnostic Ultrasound department of Al-Khidmat Teaching Mansura Hospital, Lahore. All patients referred to the department of radiology for obstetrical scanning during 37, 38, 39 & 40 weeks of gestation were included in this study. All cases were performed at My lab 50 gray scale machine and transducer frequency range were 3.0-5.0 MHz. Data were entered in Microsoft excel and analyzed by using SPSS version 21.0. Results: Total number of patients included in this study were 108. The mean of the estimated fetal weights was 3.3979 kg and the mean of actual baby weights at birth were 3.4089 kg. By comparing the both values no considerable difference was observed and hence concluded that, ultrasound precisely measures the fetal weight. Conclusions: Estimation of fetal weight from all the statistical parameters measured and compared with actual birth weights found closely related to each other. Hence concluded that sonography is an important tool for predicting birth weights and planning a safe mode of delivery. Key words: Estimated fetal weight, actual birth weight