Prediction Of Intrauterine Growth Retardation By Measurement Of Symphysial Fundal Height At Kenyatta Natid.Nal Hospital

Abstract

A study to find out the rate of increase of symphysial fundal height withgestation and its value in predicting intrauterine growth retardation wascarried out from October 1984 to October 1985. A total of 133 womenwere recnited in their early second trimester of pregnancy, that is before 24 weeks of gestation. 118 women completed the study. Theother 15 were dropped out due to pregnancy termination before term or lost to follow up. Of the 118 women who completed the study, 93 were normal and 25 were in a study group. Among the 93 women, progressive increase in fundal height from 21.8 cm at 20 \>.eeksto 36.6 ern at 4Q weeks was noted. There was a high correlation between uterine height increase andgestation age. An increase of O. 8cm per week was noted during this period, and mean birth weight of the newborns was 3137 + 283 grams. Of the 25 patients in the study group 7 (29%) gave birth to infants with low­

birth weight and 18 (71%) had a-weightappropriate for age. The serial / symphysial fundal height measurements had a sensitivity of 85.7% and specificity of 94. 1%in predicting low birth weight and appropriate birth weightrespectively. It is concluded that serial symphysial fundal height measurement is a useful technique of se.reeninq for intrauterine growth retardation.