Fetal Weight and Head Circumference Estimated by Ultrasound for Predicting Cervical Dilatation Progression Rate and mode of Delivery

The relationship between fetal biometric indices and pregnancy outcomes has always been discussed. It seems that understanding the relationship between these indices and maternal and neonatal complications can be useful in the proper management of labor and delivery. This study was performed to determine the value of estimated fetal weight (EFW) and head circumference (HC) measured by ultrasound to predict the cervical dilatation rate and mode of delivery.

In this prospective cohort study, all eligible individuals (n=60) selected by convenience sampling were evaluated. The participants were pregnant women with the gestational age of 37 to 42 weeks referred to Mousavi Hospital in Zanjan in 2019-2020. Data collection tools included a checklist to record clinical examination and ultrasound results, as well as reports on the labor and delivery processes. Data were analyzed by SPSS software (version 22) and using descriptive statistics and the student t-test Chi-square test.

EFW and HC were directly and significantly correlated with cesarean section and abnormal progression or cessation of dilatation (P<0.05). Linear regression analysis revealed that EFW could be a predictor of mode of delivery, while HC can be considered as a predictor of the rate of dilatation progression (p<0/05).

It seems that the sonographic estimation of EFW and HC prior to childbirth can be useful to predict mode of delivery and labor progression. However, it is suggested to conduct more comprehensive studies with larger sample size.