Comparison between Foetal Weight Estimation through Ultrasonographic Method versus Clinical Method

Abstract

Objectives: To compare foetal weight estimated through ultrasonographic method versus clinical method and mean difference of estimated foetal weight measured by either method from actual birth weight. Study design: Comparative cross-sectional study. Place and Duration of the study: Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission/General Hospital, Islamabad from March-2025 to August-2025. Methodology: A total of 251 pregnant women at term gestation were included. Estimated foetal weight was measured by clinical and ultrasonographic methods and were compared with actual birth weight of the baby. To compare estimated foetal weight by two methods from actual birth weight and mean difference of estimated foetal weight, measured by two methods, from actual weight paired t-test was used. Results: In this study, 251 pregnant women at term gestation were included. Mean age was 28.35 ± 6.69 years. Mean week of gestation was 38.55 ± 1.49 weeks. Mean BMI was 22.34 ± 3.16 kg/m2. Mean estimated foetal weight was 3419.57 ± 130.58 grams with clinical and 3241.58 ± 115.62 grams with ultrasonographic method. Mean actual birth weight was 3246.01 ± 130.18 grams. Mean difference between actual birth weight and estimated foetal weight by clinical method was 173.55 ± 119.97 while by ultrasonographic method, it was 4.43 ± 86.10, (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Ultrasonographic method is significantly more accurate compared to the clinical method to correctly estimate weight of the foetus in-utero.