Evaluation of three methods for estimating fetal weight

Three ultrasonic methods for estimating fetal weight (Campbell, Warsof, and Shepard) were compared in 124 singleton pregnancies. Fetal abdominal circumference was obtained by use of a map measurer and from diameter measurements and the equation for the circumference of a circle. Campbell's formula for estimating fetal weight was superior between 2,000 and 4,000 g, whereas Shepard's method was slightly better below 2,000 g and over 4,000 g. Hence, varied fetal anthropometric characteristics make it mandatory that several methods be evaluated by each institution before one is selected. With the methods of Campbell and Shepard, use of diameter measurements and the equation for the circumference of a circle resulted in a more accurate estimated fetal weight than when a map measurer was used.