Estimation of Birth Weight Using Sono-graphically Measured Fetal Abdominal Subcutaneous Tissue Thickness

Background/Objectives: Growth retardation and macrosomia are associated with increased fetal morbidity and mortality. We assessed the usefulness of sonographic measurement of abdominal subcuta-neous tissue thickness in estimating birth weight. Materials and Methods: Abdominal subcutaneous tissue thickness was measured sono-graphically in 300 fetuses between 37 and 42 weeks of gestation. The median time between sonographic examination and delivery was 11 days. The weight of newborns was measured immediately after delivery. Results: The mean soft tissue thickness was significantly higher in macrosomic than normal fetuses (12.0±1.4 mm versus 6.6±1.6 mm, respectively; P < 0.001). There was a significant positive correlation between the abdominal subcutaneous tissue thickness and birth weight (r = 0.86, P < 0.001). Conclusion: Sonographic examination of the fetal abdominal subcutaneous tissue thickness is useful for estimating birth weight.