We evaluated the relationship between the amniotic fluid index and the
accuracy of fetal weight estimation using ultrasonography. Six hundre
d, and sixty-four patients, between 20 and 42 weeks' gestational age,
who were delivered within 1 week of a sonographic examination were stu
died. Five formulas for estimating fetal weight also were studied. Sys
tematic and random errors in predicting birth weight were analyzed rel
ative to birth weight and amniotic fluid index. The accuracy of sonogr
aphic fetal weight estimation was independent of amniotic fluid index
across all gestational ages and birth weights. Each of the five formul
as had similar error percentages, and no significant differences were
detected. Predicted fetal weight was significantly underestimated with
each of the formulas studied, a finding that was also independent of
birth weight and amniotic fluid index. We conclude that ultrasonograph
y can be used reliably to estimate fetal weight in patients with alter
ed amniotic fluid volumes.