Fetal Growth - Fundal Height Measurements
  • Explain the procedure to the mother and gain verbal consent
  • Wash hands
  • Have a non-elastic tape measure to hand
  • Ensure the mother is comfortable in a semi-recumbent position, with an empty bladder
  • Expose enough of the abdomen to allow a thorough examination
1. Mother semi-recumbent, with bladder empty.
  • Ensure the abdomen is soft (not contracting)
  • Perform abdominal palpation to enable accurate identification of the uterine fundus.
2. Palpate to determine fundus with two hands.
  • Use the tape measure with the centimetres on the underside to reduce bias
  • Secure the tape measure at the fundus with one hand
3. Secure tape with hand at top of fundus.
  • Measure from the top of the fundus to the top of the symphysis pubis
  • The tape measure should stay in contact with the skin
4. Measure to top of symphysis pubis.
  • Measure along the longitudinal axis without correcting to the abdominal midline
  • Measure only once
5. Measure along longitudinal axis of uterus,
note metric measurement.
 
  • Record the metric measurement and plot it on the growth chart.
6. Plot on customised chart, record in notes