Fundal height measurement: analysis of the available evidence

Background

Fetal growth surveillance is a fundamental tool for good maternity care (Williams et al 2018) as fetal growth anomalies are correlated with an increased risk of perinatal morbidity and mortality, including unexplained stillbirths (Deeluea et al 2014).

As part of this active surveillance every midwife plays a pivotal role as their hands have been performing abdominal palpation and fundal height measurement (FHM) for centuries. This article is a summary review of the current available evidence regarding fundal height measurement (FHM) in order to standardise the technique and produce clear recommendations for practice.