Symphysis-fundal height measurement in pregnancy.
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.


OBJECTIVE
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.


METHODS
The Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth Group trials register was searched.


METHODS
Acceptably controlled trials comparing symphysis-fundal height measurement with assessment by abdominal palpation alone.


METHODS
One reviewer assessed trial quality and extracted data.


RESULTS
One trial involving 1639 women was included. No differences were detected in any of the outcomes measured.


CONCLUSIONS
There is not enough evidence to evaluate the use of symphysis-fundal height measurements during antenatal care.
Neilson
J P
JP
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK, L69 3BX. jneilson@liverpool.ac.uk
D000886:Anthropometry; D005314:Embryonic and Fetal Development; D005260:Female; D005748:Gastric Fundus; D006801:Humans; D011247:Pregnancy; D011631:Pubic Symphysis