What does fundal height measurement indicate?

Fundal height measurement is a key clinical tool used during prenatal visits to assess the growth and development of the fetus. This measurement refers to the distance from the pubic bone to the top of the uterus (the fundus) and is typically measured in centimeters.

As pregnancy progresses, fundal height generally correlates with gestational age, particularly between 20 to 36 weeks of pregnancy. For example, a fundal height of around 20 centimeters typically indicates that the pregnancy is approximately 20 weeks along. This relationship allows healthcare providers to estimate the gestational age of the fetus based on the fundal height measurement.

Monitoring fundal height can also help identify potential issues such as intrauterine growth restriction or polyhydramnios, but it does not directly provide information on the mother's health, fetal position, or likelihood of preterm labor. Instead, it serves as a reliable indicator of fetal growth relative to the expected gestational age, making it a vital part of prenatal care.