Abstract

There is clinical utility in having a simple and low-cost method of predicting birth weight. To identify abnormal fetal growth, in fact, can reduce the risk of adverse perinatal outcomes. A longitudinal observational cohort study, including 1034 low-risk singleton pregnancies at term, was performed at the Division of Prenatal Medicine, St. Orsola-Malpighi Hospital, University of Bologna, Bologna (Italy) to derive a reliable equation based on maternal characteristics. The following formula was obtained: estimated birth weight (g) = 1485.61 + (symphysis-fundal height (cm) × 23.37) + (11.62 cm × maternal abdominal circumference) + [body mass index (BMI) × (-6.81)] + (parity (0 = nulliparous, 1 = multiparous) × 72.25). Based on study results, 92% of the estimated weights were within the 10% of the actual weight at delivery. The role of obstetric and maternal factors in term birth weight prediction is, therefore, confirmed. Prospective estimations are needed to validate the model proposed.

Key words: Symphysis-fundal height, multivariable birth weight prediction, term of pregnancy