Patient's question:
Is it necessary and relatively accurate for midwives to estimate the shoulder size of the fetus during prenatal care?Doctor's answer:
Cannot, but generally speaking, the fetal shoulder circumference and head circumference are about the same, except for macrosomia (weight below 4000 grams). Usually, midwives will estimate the fetal weight by measuring the abdominal circumference and fundal height, or by using the biparietal diameter and femur length on ultrasound. If the fetus is perceived as being larger, or relatively larger for you, the night-duty doctor will be notified to examine the pregnant woman. This is generally mentioned when you sign the labor agreement, asking whether you prefer vaginal delivery or Cesarean section, and whether you have already decided to end labor. Of course, as long as you choose to try for a vaginal delivery, you will have the expectation of giving birth naturally. However, you must bear the risk alone of potentially being unable to deliver vaginally and needing a Cesarean section, facing both the risks of vaginal delivery and Cesarean section.