Ultrasonographic identification of the macrosomic fetus

Ultrasonographically determined biparietal diameter, femur length, abdominal circumference, and estimated fetal weight were analyzed with regard to their ability to predict the macrosomic newborn. Receiver operating characteristic curves were plotted for each of these variables. Estimated fetal weight was superior to biparietal diameter or femur length measurements in the identification of the overgrown fetus. Because of limitations of positive predictive values and sensitivities, application of these observations varies with the clinical setting in which they are used.