Estimation of Fetal Weight in Pregnant Women by Placenta Thickness Using Ultrasonography

Abstract

The purpose of this descriptive study is to investigate the relationship between the placenta thickness and estimated fetal weight in normal sudanese pregnant women. The data collected in ATMUZE and ASODY hospitals in Khartoum state from January to July 2017. The study included seventy pregnant women in second and third trimesters were scanned by ultrasound machine. Fetal weight was estimated by measurement of femur length (FL) and abdominal circumference (AC). Placenta thickness was measured in longitudinal section at the point of insertion of the umbilical cord. The data is analyzed by using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS).Results of the study showed that there is positive strong correlation between placenta thicknesses and estimated fetal weight (r=0.74) and (p=.000) and both are firmly increased with fetal age .The results also showed linear regression between them . The study showed that the fetal weight increases by 118 gm each one mm of placenta thickness .Researcher noticed that with the same placenta thickness there were different fetal weights .However, the normality of fetal weight and fetal development can be followed by measuring placenta thickness.