Introduction: Obese pregnant women are at increased risk for a variety of maternal and perinatal complications. The maternal risks related to obesity include Gestational Diabetes mellitus, Preeclampsia, increased caesarian sections. The fetus is at risk of stillbirth, preterm birth and congenital anomalies.This study focuses on the use of Maternal abdominal subcutaneous fat thickness (SFT) as a surrogate measure for central obesity as measured by ultrasound, and determining its efficacy compared to BMI in predicting obesity related pregnancy complications. Objective: To measure mid-trimester SFT in antenatal women and establish SFT as an independent predictor of obesity related adverse pregnancy outcomes Methods: This was a prospective cohort study. 150 pregnant women between 20-40 years of age were recruited. Demographic data of each participant was collected from the OPD. USG for abdominal subcutaneous fat thickness (SFT) was done at 18-22 wks period of gestation.The participants were followed up to labour. Adverse pregnancy outcomes and their correlation with the SFT measured was studied. Results: There was significant positive correlation between BMI and SFT (r=0.591, p<0.001) .A positive correlation was noticed between BMI and adverse pregnancy outcomes such as PIH, GDM , preterm birth , postdatism and NICU admissions.SFT independently showed a positive correlation with the above parameters. The mean SFT among women without PIH was 11.45 mm, and with PIH was 16.48 mm[p <0.001].Mean SFT were 11.68mm and 16.24 mm among the ladies without and with GDM respectively[p<0.001]. The mean SFT for term pregnancies was 12.06 mm whereas the mean SFT for preterm births was 14.21 showing positive correlation between SFT and preterm birth. SFT also showed positive correlation with need for NICU admission for neonates [ SFT avg being 11.72mm and 14.94 mm in the 2 groups]. A comparative analysis was done between BMI and SFT regarding their correlation to the various outcomes. SFT showed higher correlation coefficients for these variables than BMI, with lower p values suggesting more statistical significance. Conclusion: BMI showed a positive correlation with adverse pregnancy outcomes in mother as well as fetus, SFT showed greater and more statistically significant correlation for adverse outcomes. Thus it was concluded that SFT is a better independent predictor of obesity related adverse pregnancy outcomes.

Introduction: Fetal weight estimation remains a critical aspect of modern day obstetrics for monitoring the growth of fetus in-utero, specially in a high risk setting. The dilemma in clinical decision-making stems from the lack of accurate methods for fetal weight estimation, particularly in Low and Middle Income Countries. Objectives: To compare the diagnostic accuracy of newer method (Umbilical Cord Thickness) of fetal weight estimation with the conventional methods within limited resources. Design: Prospective cohort study Methods: A total of 190 consenting women in early/latent phase of labour were roped in for the study, and fetal weight was estimated for each, using three different available techniques, viz. clinical, conventional ultrasound and newer method, with the help of Johnson’s formula, Dare’s formula, Hadlock’s formula, and Cord circumference regression equation. Mean Percentage Error(MPE) was calculated for each method and a comparative analysis was done. Results: The analysis revealed MPE in decreasing order as: Dare> Johnson> Cord Circumference > Hadlock’s. The sensitivity of cord circumference method and Hadlock’s method was 91.2% and 91.7% respectively. However, both the sensitivity and specificity of Hadlock’s method increased drastically when combined with Umbilical Cord method. Conclusion: Thus, this study advocates the use of Umbilical Cord Circumference for estimation of fetal weight in conjunction with the conventional methods, specially in high risk areas, to reduce perinatal morbidities related to, or resulting from inaccurate fetal weight estimation. Keywords: cord circumference, Hadlock’s method, Fetal weight, Ultrasound