Finding the best formulas to estimate fetal weight based on ultrasound for the Turkish population: a comparison of 24 formulas

Abstract

Background: Although prenatal diagnosis of fetal weight is a very important parameter that guides the clinician, the margin of error in fetal weight is still very high. Aims: The aim of this study is to identify the most accurate sonographic formulas for fetal weight estimation in general and specific gender subgroups of the Turkish population. Method: This study is a prospective study conducted with the term 160 pregnant women who had cesarean indication and hospitalized to give birth by a cesarean section. The actual birth weight of newborn babies and the estimated fetal weights obtained with 24 formulas were compared. Additionally, the data obtained were separated according to the gender of the newborns and the most appropriate formulas for fetal gender were tried to be determined separately. Results: The lowest Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) values which are the best indicator of success to predict were obtained as 301.8 gr, 284.9 gr and 304.4 gr with the formula of Schild et al. Male for all, the formula of Schild et al. Female for male fetuses and the formula of Campbell and Wilkinfor female fetuses, respectively. Conclusion: The formulas of Schild et al. Male, Schild et al. Female, and Campbell and Wilkin were selected as the best formulas for all fetuses, male fetuses and female fetuses, respectively, for estimating fetal weights in Turkish population.