Symphysis-fundal height measurement in pregnancy
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Published on: April 17, 2019
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK, L69 3BX. jneilson@liverpool.ac.uk
Background:
In many settings, symphysis-fundal height measurement has replaced clinical assessment of fetal size by abdominal palpation because the latter has been reported to perform poorly.
Objectives:
The objective of this review was to assess the effects of routine use of symphysis-fundal height measurements (tape measurement of the distance from the pubic symphysis to the uterine fundus) during antenatal care on pregnancy outcome.
Search Strategy:
The Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth Group trials register was searched.
Selection Criteria:
Acceptably controlled trials comparing symphysis-fundal height measurement with assessment by abdominal palpation alone.
Data Collection And Analysis:
One reviewer assessed trial quality and extracted data.
Main Results:
One trial involving 1639 women was included. No differences were detected in any of the outcomes measured.
Reviewer'S Conclusions:
There is not enough evidence to evaluate the use of symphysis-fundal height measurements during antenatal care.
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