Comparison of two different methods for estimation of fetal weight at term

Objectives To determine the sensitivity and specificity of clinical and sonographic estimation of fetal weight at term in pregnant ladies. Methods This validation study was conducted in Social Security Hospital Islamabad during January 2009 to December 2010. All cases coming for deliveries in hospital were included in the study. Pregnant ladies had estimation of fetal weight both clinically and ultrasonically at term and validated by actual birth weight of fetus after delivery. Results that actual birth weight was also not significantly less than clinically estimated weight. The mean of clinically calculated weight of fetus was 2998.20g +/- 525.8g. The t value was - 0.954 and p value was 0.343. Conclusion Clinical estimation of fetal weight is as accurate as sonographic estimation and also good enough for screening of the birth weight from its high sensitivity and negative predictive value. Thus, it is not necessary to evaluate every pregnant lady for antenatal fetal weight by ultrasound.