The following equation proposed by Vintzileos (1987) uses 5 parameters, which should offer greater accuracy over equations using only one or two parameters. Femur length has the advantage of accurately reflecting fetal growth patterns.
The addition of thigh circumference is believed to improve the accuracy of the fetal weight measurement, and may be most useful in predicting fetal weight when growth abnormalities are present.
estimated fetal weight in grams =
=10^(2.144 + (0.014 * (abdominal circumference in cm)) + (0.004 * (head circumference in cm) * (femoral diaphysis length in cm)) - (0.00000001983 * (((head circumference in cm) * (femoral diaphysis length in cm))^3)) + 0.000006 * (((biparietal diameter in cm) * (thigh circumference in cm))^2))
Limitations:
• Abdominal circumference can be difficult to measure accurately by ultrasound.
• Biparietal diameter can be affected by variation in cranial shape.
To read more or access our algorithms and calculators, please log in or register.
