Comparative study of pregnancy dating by symphysis-fundal height measurement and ultrasound scanning in kumasi metropolis

Gestational age (GA) assessment is an essential tool used to monitor the proper growth and development of fetuses. Obstetricians therefore depend on estimated GA to correctly diagnose either pre-term or post-term labour and to distinguish between preterm birth and intrauterine growth restriction. The aim of the study was to evaluate the accuracy of symphysis-fundal height (SFH) in comparison to ultrasound scan for the assessment of gestational age. The cross-sectional method was utilized in this prospective study involving 313 pregnant women with singleton uncomplicated pregnancies and presenting between 17 to 28 weeks of gestation. Convenient sampling method was used and an ultrasound machine was used to assess the biparietal diameter (BPD), head circumference (HC), abdominal circumference (AC), fetal length (FL). Ultrasound scans of combined biometric parameters (USCBP) and their corresponding GAs were estimated using the Hadlock method. The SFH of participants were recorded (emptied bladder) and estimates of the GA were made. Statistically there were no significant differences between the crown rumped length (CRL) and USCBP. No significant differences were also observed between the other US foetal biometrics parameters; (BPD, HC, FL and AC). However, there were significant differences (p < 0.05) between SFH and USCBP, and also between other US foetal biometrics parameters in the estimation of GA. From the results of the study, it may be known that apart from the CRL scans, the next accurate measure of GA is the use of the US biometric parameters in second trimester. (Author)