INVESTIGATING THE ACCURACY OF ULTRASOUND MEASUREMENTS IN PREDICTING FETAL WEIGHT, COMPARISON OF ULTRASOUND FINDINGS AND ANTHROPOMETRY STUDY

Accurate estimation of fetal weight (EFW) is crucial for monitoring fetal growth, guiding clinical decision-making, and preventing complications during pregnancy and childbirth. This study investigates the accuracy of ultrasound measurements in predicting fetal weight and compares these findings with anthropometric measurements of maternal characteristics. A cohort of pregnant women was monitored across all three trimesters, and ultrasound parameters—bi-parietal diameter (BPD), head circumference (HC), abdominal circumference (AC), and femur length (FL)—were used to estimate fetal weight. Anthropometric data, including maternal height, weight, abdominal circumference, fundal height, abdominal diameter, and subcutaneous fat thickness, were collected for comparison. The study revealed that ultrasound measurements, particularly when combining multiple parameters, offer a higher accuracy in estimating fetal weight compared to maternal anthropometry. BPD emerged as a robust predictor of fetal head growth and overall size, especially when used with AC and FL. Maternal anthropometry showed less predictive power, particularly in later gestation. These findings highlight the superior role of ultrasound in prenatal care and suggest that integrating multiple biometric parameters further enhances fetal weight predictions