Estimated Birth Weight Calculator
Estimate your baby's birth weight based on maternal factors, gestational age, and ultrasound measurements. This tool helps healthcare providers and expectant parents anticipate fetal growth.
How to Use This Calculator
- Enter the gestational age in weeks (from 20 to 42 weeks)
- Input maternal characteristics including height, pre-pregnancy weight, and age
- Provide parity (number of previous births) and fetal sex if known
- Enter ultrasound measurements including biparietal diameter and abdominal circumference
- Click Calculate to see the estimated birth weight
Formula Used
EBW = (GA × 95) + (BPD × 135) + (AC × 45) + (MH × 8.5) + (MW × 12) + (PA × 25) + (S × 60) - 4230
Where:
- EBW = Estimated Birth Weight (grams)
- GA = Gestational Age (weeks)
- BPD = Biparietal Diameter (cm)
- AC = Abdominal Circumference (cm)
- MH = Maternal Height (cm)
- MW = Maternal Weight (kg)
- PA = Parity (number of previous births)
- S = Sex factor (Male = 1, Female = 0, Unknown = 0.5)
Example Calculation
Real-World Scenario:
A 32-year-old pregnant woman at 38 weeks gestation is expecting her second child. She is 165 cm tall and weighed 58 kg before pregnancy. Ultrasound shows a female fetus with BPD of 9.2 cm and AC of 33.5 cm.
Given:
- Gestational Age = 38 weeks
- Maternal Height = 165 cm
- Maternal Weight = 58 kg
- Maternal Age = 32 years
- Parity = 1 (one previous birth)
- Fetal Sex = Female
- Biparietal Diameter = 9.2 cm
- Abdominal Circumference = 33.5 cm
Calculation:
EBW = (38 × 95) + (9.2 × 135) + (33.5 × 45) + (165 × 8.5) + (58 × 12) + (1 × 25) + (0 × 60) - 4230
EBW = 3610 + 1242 + 1507.5 + 1402.5 + 696 + 25 + 0 - 4230
Result: 4253 grams (approximately 4.25 kg or 9 lbs 6 oz)
Why This Calculation Matters
Practical Applications
- Helps healthcare providers plan for delivery
- Identifies potential risks for macrosomia or low birth weight
- Guides decisions about delivery methods
- Assists in neonatal care preparation
Key Benefits
- Provides expectant parents with information about their baby's development
- Enables early intervention for potential growth issues
- Reduces uncertainty during pregnancy
- Supports personalized prenatal care
Common Mistakes & Tips
Frequently Asked Questions
References & Disclaimer
Medical Disclaimer
This calculator provides an estimate of fetal birth weight based on mathematical formulas and should not replace professional medical advice. The results are not diagnostic and should be interpreted by qualified healthcare providers in the context of a complete clinical evaluation. Always consult with your healthcare provider regarding any concerns about your pregnancy or fetal development.
References
- Hadlock FP, et al. (1985). Estimation of fetal weight with the use of head, body, and femur measurements—a prospective study. - A landmark study establishing formulas for fetal weight estimation using ultrasound measurements.
- Dudley NJ. (2005). A systematic review of the ultrasound estimation of fetal weight. - A comprehensive review of the accuracy and limitations of ultrasound-based fetal weight estimation.
- American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. (2017). Ultrasound in Pregnancy. - Clinical guidance on the appropriate use of ultrasound in pregnancy, including fetal weight estimation.
Accuracy Notice
This calculator uses established formulas but has inherent limitations. The accuracy of birth weight estimation can be affected by factors such as fetal position, maternal body habitus, operator experience, and biological variation. The margin of error for estimated fetal weight is typically ±10-15% of actual birth weight. This calculator is not validated for use in multiple gestations or pregnancies with significant fetal abnormalities.
About the Author
Kumaravel Madhavan
Web developer and data researcher creating accurate, easy-to-use calculators across health, finance, education, and construction and more. Works with subject-matter experts to ensure formulas meet trusted standards like WHO, NIH, and ISO.