Symphysis-fundal height measurement--a reliable parameter for assessment of fetal growth

Intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR) is one of the major causes of perinatal mortality in countries like India. Fundal height traditionally measured in relation to umbilicus and xiphisternum is of little value in predicting the fetal growth. Some workers have found that symphysis fundal height (SFH) measurements could be useful in screening pregnancies for growth retardation. A prospective study was taken up in 109 pregnant women attending the antenatal clinic of our Institution. Serial measurements of SFH, abdominal girth, double abdominal wall thickness (DAWT) and maternal weight gain were recorded. SFH measurements obtained were arranged on the basis of 10th, 50th and 90th percentile and represented graphically. Statistical analysis showed that the coefficient of variation was smallest for SFH as compared to abdominal girth and maternal weight gain. The babies (single born) delivered were between 2600 g and 3700 g irrespective of whether the maternal weight gain was 143 g/week or 424 g/week. The abdominal wall thickness had no influence on the measurement of SFH. An attempt was made to develop a nomogram of SFH for our population. This is a simple, reliable and inexpensive method in the screening of pregnancies for IUGR.