Estimation of Fetal Weight Using Ultrasonography

Abstract

The aim of this study is estimation of fetal weight using ultrasonography, this will help in appropriate decision making in the management of the pregnant ladies This prospective cross-sectional study was carried out at the Obstetrics and Gynecology Department of Khartoum North Teaching Hospital from September 2015 to April 2016.The data was collected from 60 ladies attending the delivery room in Khartoum North Teaching hospital. The material used was Ultrasound machine Mindray DP10 with 3.5 MHz convex probe, through trans-abdominal scan. The variables used were age, parity, and delivery mode, maternal weight at delivery and fetal weight and was analyzed using SPSS version 23. The sample size was 60 pregnant women; all the women participated in the study (100%). More than half (53.3%) of the participants given birth by caesarian delivery, while (46.7%) given birth by normal vaginal delivery. Their mean age was (28.3 ± 6.48), and their median age (27.5). The mean weight (kg) was (69.79 ± 6.98), with a median (69.65 kg). The mean number of birth (parity) was (2.52 ± 2.13) child birth with a median of (2.0). In this study, the mean actual weight after delivery was (3,069.00 ± 508.093) ranging between (2,230-4,240) grams. The mean ultra sound estimated fetal weight was (3,121.83 ± 555.452) ranging between (2,210-4,140) grams. As observed from the table there is no much difference comparing the two means. Using 𝑡-test on mean ultrasonically calculated weight taken before birth of fetus and actual birth weight revealed no significant difference (𝑡 = 0.544, 𝑃 = 0.220). There was an intermediate to strong linear relationship between actual fetal weight and ultra sound estimated fetal weight (r= 0.64). In conclusion from the above findings estimation of fetal weight using ultrasound have important implication in management and assessment of medical condition of pregnant ladies instead of some difficulties in accessibility but however can be cost effective.