Relation between fetal abdominal subcutaneous tissue thickness and fetal weight

Abstract

The prediction of fetal weight is important for the obstetrician to decide whether to deliver the fetus vaginaly or by cesarean section. Various models have been designed by different investigators to predict fetal weight using ultrasound. The desired outcome is achieved by measuring different fetal anthropometrical parameters. These investigators have found that an approximate estimation of fetal weight may be made by measuring Biparietal diameter (BPD), Head circumference (HC), Abdominal circumference (AC), and Femur length (FL). Researchers have attempted to use sonographicaJly measured soft tissue thickness to predict fetal weight. Studies showed that measurements of the subcutaneous tissue thickness at the mid-calf, midthigh, and abdominal levels can predict fetal weight.