Clinical estimation of fetal weight

Abstract Clinical estimation after abdominal palpation is the commonest method of assessing fetal weight in utero. Errors in this may prove critical for fetal survival where premature induction of labor or vaginal delivery in breech presentation is decided upon. One thousand and one estimations were performed on 506 patients admitted to the Obstetric Unit, University Hospital, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, either during or immediately prior to labor. While 82.5 per cent of estimates were within ±1 pound of the actual birth weight, 54.3 per cent were within ±8 ounces. In the 3 pound range, only 42.9 per cent and in the 9 pound range only 35.3 per cent of estimates were within ±1 pound of actual birth weight. There was a tendency to overestimate in the lower range of birth weights and a tendency to underestimate in the higher ranges. Duration of clinical experience does not necessarily improve the accuracy of assessment. The clinical implications of these findings are discussed.