Fundal height: Difference between revisions

Latest revision as of 16:31, 16 February 2025

Fundal Height[edit]

Fundal height is a measurement used in obstetrics to assess the growth and development of the uterus during pregnancy. It is an important clinical tool for monitoring the progress of a pregnancy and can provide valuable information about fetal growth and amniotic fluid volume.

Measurement[edit]

Fundal height is measured in centimeters from the top of the pubic symphysis to the top of the uterus, known as the fundus. This measurement is typically taken with the patient lying in a supine position. The measurement is expected to correlate with the gestational age of the pregnancy in weeks, especially between 20 and 36 weeks of gestation.

Clinical Significance[edit]

The fundal height measurement is used to estimate gestational age and to monitor fetal growth. A fundal height that is smaller or larger than expected may indicate potential issues such as intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) or macrosomia.

Small for Gestational Age[edit]

A fundal height that is smaller than expected for gestational age may suggest that the fetus is small for gestational age (SGA) or that there is a reduced amount of amniotic fluid, a condition known as oligohydramnios.

Large for Gestational Age[edit]

Conversely, a fundal height that is larger than expected may indicate a large for gestational age (LGA) fetus, polyhydramnios (excess amniotic fluid), or multiple gestation such as twins or triplets.

Limitations[edit]

While fundal height is a useful screening tool, it is not definitive. Variations in maternal body habitus, fetal position, and the presence of uterine fibroids can affect the accuracy of the measurement. Therefore, discrepancies in fundal height should be further evaluated with ultrasound imaging.

Related Pages[edit]

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-'''Fundal height''' is a common measurement used in [[obstetrics]] to estimate the growth and development of a [[fetus]] during [[pregnancy]]. It is measured from the top of the mother's uterus (the fundus) to the top of the mother's pubic bone. The measurement in centimeters often corresponds with the number of weeks of pregnancy after the 20th week.
+== Fundal Height ==
-==Measurement==
+[[File:Fundal_height_by_gestational_age.jpg|thumb|right|Diagram showing fundal height by gestational age]]
-The measurement of fundal height is usually done during prenatal visits to the [[healthcare provider]]. The mother is asked to lie on her back on an examination table, and a tape measure is used to measure the distance from the pubic bone to the top of the uterus. The measurement is taken in centimeters and is usually the same as the number of weeks of pregnancy, give or take 2 centimeters. For example, at 24 weeks gestation, the fundal height should be approximately 24 centimeters.
-==Significance==
+'''Fundal height''' is a measurement used in [[obstetrics]] to assess the growth and development of the [[uterus]] during [[pregnancy]]. It is an important clinical tool for monitoring the progress of a pregnancy and can provide valuable information about fetal growth and amniotic fluid volume.
-Fundal height is an important indicator of fetal growth and development. A fundal height that is smaller or larger than expected could indicate a potential problem with the pregnancy. A smaller than expected fundal height could indicate [[Intrauterine growth restriction|intrauterine growth restriction]] (IUGR), which means the baby is not growing at the expected rate. A larger than expected fundal height could indicate [[macrosomia]] (a larger than average baby), [[polyhydramnios]] (excessive amniotic fluid), or a multiple pregnancy.
-==Limitations==
+== Measurement ==
-While fundal height is a useful tool in monitoring fetal growth, it is not always accurate. Factors such as the mother's body mass index (BMI), the position of the baby, and the amount of amniotic fluid can affect the measurement. In addition, fundal height measurements can be less accurate later in pregnancy when the baby begins to descend into the pelvis in preparation for birth.
+Fundal height is measured in [[centimeters]] from the top of the [[pubic symphysis]] to the top of the [[uterus]], known as the [[fundus]]. This measurement is typically taken with the patient lying in a supine position. The measurement is expected to correlate with the gestational age of the pregnancy in weeks, especially between 20 and 36 weeks of gestation.
+== Clinical Significance ==
+The fundal height measurement is used to estimate [[gestational age]] and to monitor fetal growth. A fundal height that is smaller or larger than expected may indicate potential issues such as [[intrauterine growth restriction]] (IUGR) or [[macrosomia]].
+=== Small for Gestational Age ===
+A fundal height that is smaller than expected for gestational age may suggest that the fetus is small for gestational age (SGA) or that there is a reduced amount of [[amniotic fluid]], a condition known as [[oligohydramnios]].
+=== Large for Gestational Age ===
+Conversely, a fundal height that is larger than expected may indicate a large for gestational age (LGA) fetus, [[polyhydramnios]] (excess amniotic fluid), or multiple gestation such as [[twins]] or [[triplets]].
+== Limitations ==
+While fundal height is a useful screening tool, it is not definitive. Variations in maternal body habitus, fetal position, and the presence of uterine fibroids can affect the accuracy of the measurement. Therefore, discrepancies in fundal height should be further evaluated with [[ultrasound]] imaging.
+== Related Pages ==
-==See also==
-* [[Obstetrics]]
 * [[Pregnancy]]
-* [[Fetus]]
+* [[Gestational age]]
 * [[Intrauterine growth restriction]]
 * [[Macrosomia]]
-* [[Polyhydramnios]]
+* [[Amniotic fluid]]
+{{Obstetrics}}
 [[Category:Obstetrics]]
 [[Category:Pregnancy]]
-[[Category:Medical measurements]]
-{{Medicine-stub}}