The prediction of intrauterine growth retardation in remote area aboriginal women using serial fundal-symphysial height measurements.
A well recognised, simple and effective method of charting uterine growth by measuring the fundal-symphysial height serially was used in 3 tribal Aboriginal communities in East Arnhemland. A total of 34 women were followed with serial measurements using a nomogram derived from Quaranta et al. There were 7 births with recorded birth-weights of 2,500g or less (range 2,130g-2,500g). Six of these had serial fundal height measurements consistently at or below the 10th percentile. These 6 babies were also found to be small for gestational age. There were 13 births with recorded birth-weights between 2,500g-3,000g. Four of these babies had serial fundal height measurements at or below the 10th percentile and 3 of the 4 were small for gestational age. It is suggested that fundal-symphysial height measurements may be useful in the detection of intrauterine growth retardation, particularly in remote areas where there is a shortage of experienced medical personnel. It can be used by trained Health Workers and provides an objective record of antenatal progress.
Norton
R
R
Bathurst Island, Northern Territory.
D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D005317:Fetal Growth Retardation / Q000175:diagnosis*; D006801:Humans; D015876:Northern Territory; D011247:Pregnancy; D011631:Pubic Symphysis / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D012423:Rural Health; D014599:Uterus / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D000095283:Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples