title: Symphysis-fundal height measurement in pregnancy.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK, L69 3BX. jneilson@liverpool.ac.uk
authors.forename: J P
authors.initials: JP
authors.lastname: Neilson
mesh_terms: D000886:Anthropometry; D005314:Embryonic and Fetal Development; D005260:Female; D005748:Gastric Fundus; D006801:Humans; D011247:Pregnancy; D011631:Pubic Symphysis