thumb Diagnosing fetal macrosomia cannot be performed until after birth, as evaluating a baby's weight in the womb may be inaccurate. While ultrasound has been the primary method for diagnosing<unk> , this form of fetal weight assessment remains imprecise, as the fetus is a highly variable structure in regards to density and weight— no matter the<unk>  age. Ultrasonography involves an algorithm that incorporates biometric measurements of the fetus, such as biparietal diameter (BPD), head circumference (HC), abdominal circumference (AC), and femur length (FL), to calculate the estimated fetal weight (EFW). Variability of fetal weight estimations has been linked to differences due to sensitivity and specificity of ultrasound algorithms as well as to the individual performing the ultrasound examination. In addition to sonography, fetal weight can also be assessed using clinical and maternal methods. Clinical methods for estimating fetal weight involves measuring the mother's symphysis-fundal height and performing Leopold's maneuvers, which can help with determining the fetus position in utero in addition to size. However, as this method relies heavily on practitioner experience and technique, it does not provide an accurate and definite diagnosis of an<unk>  infant and only would only serve as a potential indication of suspected macrosomia. Fetal weight can also be estimated through a mother's subjective assessment of the fetus size, but this method is dependent on a mother's experience with past pregnancies and may not be clinically useful. There are new methods being studied for their accuracy in predicting fetal weight, such as measuring fetal soft tissue, but more research needs to be done to find a consistent, reliable method.
Large for gestational age
Small for gestational age
Low Birth Weight
Breech birth
Vanishing twin
Low birth weight
Fetal hydantoin syndrome
Neonatal hypocalcemia