An Algorithmic Approach to Accurate Ultrasonic Fetal Weight Estimation

Abstract

A flexible model is proposed for estimation of fetal weight from biparietal, occipitofrontal, and average abdominal diameters and femoral shaft length. Individual formulas are selected by gestational age-independent decision rules that reflect fetal body proportions. The correlation coefficient for observed and predicted weight was .994 in a series of 96 fetuses studied within 36 hours of delivery, with 20% of cases having error less than 10 g/kg and 90% with error less than 80 g/kg.