Fallacy of the Fundal Height

The method of estimating gestational age from the height of the fundus uteri during pregnancy has been investigated. Such wide variations occur in the length of the maternal abdomen and umbilical position and in the level of the uterine fundus at each gestational age that the method is not reliable....

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:BMJ 1970-11, Vol.4 (5732), p.404-406
Main Authors: Beazley, John M., Underhill, Rosemary A.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Abdomen
Abdomen - anatomy & histology
Anthropometry
Calipers
Female
Fetus - anatomy & histology
First trimester of pregnancy
Gestational Age
Gynecological examination
Humans
Landmarks
Palpation
Papers and Originals
Pelvis
Pregnancy
Sternum - anatomy & histology
Ultrasonics
Ultrasonography
Umbilicus
Umbilicus - anatomy & histology
Uterus
Uterus - anatomy & histology
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Description
Summary:The method of estimating gestational age from the height of the fundus uteri during pregnancy has been investigated. Such wide variations occur in the length of the maternal abdomen and umbilical position and in the level of the uterine fundus at each gestational age that the method is not reliable. Assessment of uterine size by pelvic examination in the first trimester of pregnancy correlates more closely with gestational age than assessments made by abdominal palpation of the uterus at a later time.
ISSN:0007-1447
0959-8138
1468-5833
DOI:10.1136/bmj.4.5732.404