comparison of ultrasonographic & clinical methods in fetal weight estimation

objective: this study was performed for evaluation of accuracy of fetal weight estimation by clinical & ultrasonographic methods in iranian population . meterial & method:this prospective study was conducted on two hundred preg .nant mothers that reffered to obstetric department during years 1378 & 1379 . findings:our study showed that there was statistically significant difference between clinical estimate of fetal weight and actual birth weight , as well as between ultrasound estimation and actual birth weight. the mean error of clinical estimation was 101g ,or 32g/kg, for a 3.2% error. the error of ultrasound in the same population was 141g, or 45g/kg, for a 4.5% error. analysis of these data revealed statistically significant difference between the mean error of clinical estimation and ultrasound estimation of fetal weight. conclusion:our study indicates that the mean clinical estimate of fetal weight is more accurate than ultrasound for the estimation of fetal weight in our population. this has important implications for developoing countries where , there is a lack of technologically advanced ultrasound machines capable of performing sophisticated functions like fetal weight estimation.