The Influence of Fetal Head Circumference and Fetal Weight Assessed by Intrapartum Ultrasound on Labor Outcome

Abstract

The aim of the present study is to determine if fetal head circumference and fetal weight could predict the rate of cesarian section and operative vaginal deliveries in nulliparous women in labor. This study evaluateintrapartum fetal head circumference and fetal weight as a sensitive majors for assessment of labor outcome. The second stage is an important point at which the decision for mode of delivery and prediction of labor outcome should be setteled, it begins with complete cervical dilatation and end with delivery of fetus, prolonged second stage of labor should be 42 considered when the second stage of labor exceeds 3 hours if regional anesthesia is administered or 2 hours in the absence of regional anesthesia for nulliparas. In multiparous women, such a diagnosis can be made if the second stage of labor exceeds 2 hours with regional anesthesia or 1 hour without it. Studies performed to examine perinatal outcomes associated with a prolonged second stage of labor revealed increased risks of operative deliveries and maternal morbidities but no differences in neonatal outcomes. The numerical data have a significant relation between intra partum head circumference and fetal weight and the incidence of primary cesarian section, maternal and fetal complications. So measurement of intrapartum head circumference and fetal weight are good predictors Of labor outcome. Keywords: AC :Abdominal circumference, BPD :Biparital diameter ; CPD :Cephalopelvic disproportion; FHC: Fetal head circumference; TBH :Tygerberg Hospital