Accuracy Assessment on Prediction Models for Fetal Weight Based on Maternal Fundal Height

Abstract

Delivery weight is a significant indicator of pregnancy outcomes. Both low birth weight and macrosomia ranges have negative impact on neonatal health yet low birth weight is the leading cause of neonatal mortality in most developing countries. Since fetal weight cannot be directly measured, the prediction has become increasingly important in routine antenatal care. Early birth weight estimation during expectancy assists medical practitioners to make an informed decision on whether intervention is required prior to delivery. Several prediction models for fetal weight have been developed in Indonesia based on clinical assessment of fundal height as an alternative to ultrasound. However, most prediction models only would provide weight estimates very close to delivery or at more than 35 weeks of gestational age. Some researchers carried out comparison study among these prediction models. However, there has been little discussion on their forecast accuracy measures. This paper aims to evaluate and compare the accuracy of existing prediction–based fundal height models for estimating neonatal delivery weight using fundal height measurements between 20 and 35 weeks of gestational age.