New formula for estimating fetal weight below 1000 g: comparison with existing formulas

Most estimated fetal weight formulas have been derived and tested with larger fetuses, yet accuracy in predicting birth weight is more critical at the limit of viability. Complete data from 142 pregnancies in which delivery took place within 7 days of an ultrasonographic examination were used to create an appropriate formula for fetuses less than 1000 g and compare it with 10 currently available formulas. Our formula (In [BW] = 0.66 x 1n [HC] + 1.04 x 1n [AC] + 0.985 x 1n [FL]) was significantly more accurate than all other formulas and also performed better on a prospective cohort of 27 fetuses with estimated fetal weight less than 1000 g. Of the existing formulas, the Hadlock formula (using head circumference, abdominal circumference, femur length) was the most accurate, being significantly more accurate than all but the Woo formula with all but the Woo formula.