ACCURACY OF ULTRASOUND ESTIMATION OF FETAL WEIGHT IN MULTIPLE PREGNANCIES

Our objective was to assess the accuracy of ultrasonographic estimatio n of fetal weight in twins and triplets as compared to singleton pregn ancies. Retrospective analysis was undertaken of ultrasound data of al l fetuses who underwent and examination within 1 week of delivery (sin gleton 1832, twins 518, triplets 51). At birth weights below 2500 g, t here was a significant overestimation of fetal weight in twins as comp ared to singletons, but the accuracy of the estimate was the same, exc ept in twins between 1500 and 2499 g, when the weight was based on abd ominal circumference and femur length alone. At birth weights of more than 2500 g, no difference was detected between twins and singletons. At all birth weights below 2500 g, the accuracy of weight estimation i n triplets was equal to that in singletons and there were no triplets above this weight. We conclude that ultrasonographic estimation of fet al weight is as accurate in twins and triplets as it is in singletons.