Risk prediction charts for low birth weight.

OBJECTIVE

To develop intrauterine fetal growth monitoring charts for prediction of babies with low birth weight (LBW).

DESIGN

Prospective study.

SETTING

Antenastal clinic of a government and a private hospital.

SUBJECTS

Two hundred and eighty one healthy pregnant women were enrolled before 28 weeks of pregnancy.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The uterine fundal height and abdominal girth were recorded fortnightly. Following delivery, the neonatal birth weight was correlated with these measurements.

RESULTS

Graphs were plotted for the mean fundal height and abdominal girth in relation to gestational age for neonatal weight categories of 2000 g, 2500 g and 3000 +/- 200 g. Measurement of the fundal height and abdominal girth predicted the neonatal weight category with a sensitivity of 87.5%, specificity of 90% and positive predictive value of 77.8%.

CONCLUSIONS

The uterine fundal height and abdominal girth, when related to the gestational age, can accurately predict the neonatal birth weight category. The charts prepared in this study can help in prediction of LBW babies and allow appropriate intervention to be undertaken in the antenatal period at grass root level.