Abstract
The objective of the present study was to determine which of the established methods of estimating fetal weight in term and large fetuses is the most accurate. In a study population of 116 term gestations, an ultrasound examination was performed within 7 days of delivery. Each ultrasound measured abdominal and head circumference, biparietal diameter, and femur length using uniform measurement and scanning method criteria. Five different methods were used to calculate estimated fetal weights. Of the five current formulas used to estimate fetal weight in term and large fetuses, the four-parameter method of Hadlock provided the best estimate. The accuracy of estimating fetal weight by ultrasound in term and large fetuses can be improved by using multiple parameters, which in turn may influence clinical judgment in the timing and management of delivery.