Birth weight prediction models for the different gestational age stages in a Chinese population

The study aims to develop new birth weight prediction models for different gestational age stages using 2-dimensional (2D) ultrasound measurements in a Chinese population. 2D ultrasound was examined in pregnant women with normal singleton within 3 days prior to delivery (28–42 weeks’ gestation). A total of 19,310 fetuses were included in the study and randomly split into the training group and the validation group. Gestational age was divided into five stages: 28–30, 31–33, 34–36, 37–39 and 40–42 weeks. Multiple linear regression (MLR), fractional polynomial regression (FPR) and volume-based model (VM) were used to develop birth weight prediction model. New staged prediction models (VM for 28–36 weeks, MLR for 37–39 weeks, and FPR for 40–42 weeks) provided lower systematic errors and random errors than previously published models for each gestational age stage in the training group. The similar results were observed in the validation group. Compared to the previously published models, new staged models had the lowest aggregate systematic error (0.31%) and at least a 19.35% decrease; at least a 4.67% decrease for the root-mean-square error (RMSE). The prediction rates within 5% and 10% of birth weight for new staged models were higher than those for previously published models, which were 54.47% and 85.10%, respectively. New staged birth weight prediction models could improve the accuracy of birth weight estimation for different gestational age stages in a Chinese population.