A simplified method for estimating fetal weight using ultrasound measurements.

A simplified method of estimating fetal weight was developed and tested on 366 ultrasound examinations performed close to delivery. Constructed by linear regression on the sum of the biparietal diameter (BPD), mean abdominal diameter, and femur length against the logarithm of birth weight, the model was compared to the Shepard-Warsof model, which uses BPD and abdominal circumference to estimate fetal weight. Models using the same simplified approach to estimate fetal weight using BPD with mean abdominal diameter, and femur length with mean abdominal diameter, were also developed. Fetal weight estimate tables for these models involve only one variable, making them easier to use.