A PROSPECTIVE STUDY ON BIRTH WEIGHT ESTIMATION OF FETUS USING SONOGRAPHIC MEASUREMENTS SUCH AS MID-THIGH SOFT TISSUE THICKNESS & FETAL BIOMETRY

Abstract

Accurate fetal weight estimation is essential for identifying abnormal fetal growth and guiding obstetric management. Conventional ultrasound-based methods primarily rely on fetal biometric parameters but may not fully reflect fetal body composition. Mid-thigh soft tissue thickness (MTSTT) has emerged as a potential adjunctive parameter for improving fetal weight estimation. This prospective observational study aimed to evaluate the correlation between antenatal fetal biometry, mid-thigh soft tissue thickness, and actual birth weight (ABW), and to assess the utility of mid-thigh soft tissue thickness in fetal weight prediction. A total of 90 pregnant women with singleton pregnancies between 34 and 40 weeks of gestation were included. Ultrasound measurements of biparietal diameter (BPD), abdominal circumference (AC), femur length (FL), and mid-thigh soft tissue thickness were obtained. Estimated fetal weight was assessed using conventional biometric parameters and mid-thigh soft tissue thickness-based methods, while ABW was recorded immediately after delivery. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 23. All evaluated sonographic parameters demonstrated significant positive correlations with birth weight. Abdominal circumference showed the strongest correlation, followed by femur length, biparietal diameter, and mid-thigh soft tissue thickness. The regression model incorporating biparietal diameter, abdominal circumference, femur length, and mid-thigh soft tissue thickness demonstrated substantial predictive ability (R² = 0.76). These findings indicate that mid-thigh soft tissue thickness T provides additional information regarding fetal body composition and enhances fetal weight prediction when combined with conventional biometric measurements. Mid-thigh soft tissue thickness may enhance fetal weight estimation and obstetric decision-making.