Estimated fetal weight in the detection of the small-for-menstrual-age fetus

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to assess the value of calculated fetal weight in the detection of the small‐for‐menstrual‐age fetus. An ultrasound screening scan was performed on 1624 singleton pregnancies at 30 weeks to 36 weeks, menstrual age. Head, abdomen, and femur diaphysis measurements were recorded and used to estimate fetal weight. These and other more widely used parameters were used to predict birth weight below the 10th percentile for menstrual age. Estimated fetal weight at 34 weeks achieved sensitivity of 100% and specificity of 70%, the best result for any parameter. Specificity is improved using growth measurements.