Fundal height is a measurement taken during pregnancy to monitor fetal growth.
Fundal height measures the distance between the top of theuterusand the pelvic bone in a pregnant person.
It can also assess where the baby is in the uterus.
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It is measured in centimeters and is often first taken at prenatal appointments starting at20 weeks of pregnancy.
The fundal height measurement in centimeters should be close to the fetuss gestational age in weeks.
A fundal height that is too small or too large could indicate a pregnancy complication.
Fundal height is an imprecise measurement, and some factors can affect it.
Having a history ofuterine fibroidsmay also affect the accuracy of fundal height.
What Is Average Fundal Height?
Average fundal height in centimeters usually is the same numeral as the fetus’s gestational age in weeks.
For example, if you are 32 weeks pregnant, your fundal height will likely be 32 centimeters.
How Fundal Height Measurements Work
Fundal height can be measured quickly and easily.
After 20 weeks of pregnancy, your fundal height will likely be measured at each appointment.
Before 20 weeks, an ultrasound exam estimates your babys gestational age.
What Are Fundal Height Measurements Used For?
Measuring fundal height is used to monitor fetal growth and development.
Several factors can affect how a fetus develops during pregnancy.
Fundal height is a simple way to detect potential growth issues or complications.
If your fundal height is low, your baby may not be growing as expected.
If your fundal height is high, your baby may grow faster than expected.
This is also referred to asintrauterine growth restriction.
Babies with a birth weight below the 10th percentile are considered small for gestational age.
If your fundal height is smaller than expected, your baby may be small for gestational age.
It is also possible that you are not as far along in pregnancy as previously estimated.
Babies with a birth weight above the 90th percentile are considered large for gestational age.
If your fundal height exceeds the average, your baby may be large for gestational age.
You may also be further along in pregnancy than previously estimated.
There is no risk associated with this exam.
For this reason, it is important to verify any abnormal findings with an ultrasound immediately.
Research estimates that 75% to 90% of fetal growth abnormalities go undiagnosed until birth.
Summary
Fundal height is a measurement taken during pregnancy to monitor fetal growth.
Fundal height measures the distance between the pelvic bone and the top of the uterus in a pregnant person.
It determines if your baby is growing as expected.
Fundal height is measured in centimeters and is usually started around 20 weeks of pregnancy.
If your measurement is abnormal, your provider will recommend an ultrasound exam.
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