fetal weight and head circumference estimated by ultrasound for predicting cervical dilatation progression rate and mode of delivery

Background & aim: the relationship between fetal biometric indices andpregnancy outcomes has always been discussed. it seems that understanding therelationship between these indices and maternal and neonatal complications canbe useful in the proper management of labor and delivery. this study wasperformed to determine the value of estimated fetal weight (efw) and headcircumference (hc) measured by ultrasound to predict the cervical dilatation rateand mode of delivery.methods: in this prospective cohort study, all eligible individuals (n=60) selectedby convenience sampling were evaluated. the participants were pregnant womenwith the gestational age of 37 to 42 weeks referred to mousavi hospital in zanjanin 2019-2020. data collection tools included a checklist to record clinicalexamination and ultrasound results, as well as reports on the labor and deliveryprocesses. data were analyzed by spss software (version 22) and using descriptivestatistics and the student t-test chi-square test.results: efw and hc were directly and significantly correlated with cesareansection and abnormal progression or cessation of dilatation (p<0.05). linearregression analysis revealed that efw could be a predictor of mode of delivery,while hc can be considered as a predictor of the rate of dilatation progression(p<0/05).conclusion: it seems that the sonographic estimation of efw and hc prior tochildbirth can be useful to predict mode of delivery and labor progression.however, it is suggested to conduct more comprehensive studies with largersample size.