Parturient fundal height as a predictor of low birth weight
- 1 August 1998
- journal article
- clinical trial
- Published by Oxford University Press (OUP) in Journal of Tropical Pediatrics
- Vol. 44 (4) , 222-224
- https://doi.org/10.1093/tropej/44.4.222
Abstract
The usefulness of parturient fundal height as a predictor of low birth weight (LBW) was studied in 151 singleton pregnancies. The symphysis to fundus (S-F) distance was measured in early labour and was plotted against the birth weight of the newborns. A significant positive correlation was observed between the two parameters (r = +0.740). For the prediction of LBW, the critical limit of the fundal height was 31 cm, meaning that a S-F distance of more than 31 cm is reasonably safe while lesser values predict a higher chance of a LBW infant. From these observations, the use of a colour-coded tape by peripheral health workers and traditional birth attendants is suggested: red for S-F < 28 cm, yellow for S-F = 28-31 cm, and green for S-F > 31 cm. Mothers who have a fundal height in the 'red zone' are at risk of delivering LBW infants.Keywords
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