Summary

In this Study Session, you have learned that:

• Fundal height should be measured to assess whether or not the fetus is growing as expected.
  
• Estimating gestational age from fundal height measurement can be done by two methods:The finger method and the soft tape measurement method.
  
• The fundus of the uterus lay at symphysis at around 13-14 weeks of pregnancy, at umbilicus when the gestational age is around 20-22 weeks and at the level of the sternum at 36-40 weeks.
• If the fundus is one finger below the umbilicus, the measurement corresponds to one-week pregnancy.
  
• When the gestational age is 18-34 weeks, the soft tape fundal height measurement accurately corresponds to two weeks.
  
• If the fundal height is not increased as expected, there are three reasons: Wrong due date, the uterus/fetus grew quickly and the uterus/fetus grew slowly.