Main Article Content

Intrapartum Estimation of Fetal Weight by Symphysiofundal Height Measurement


Hyacinth E Onah

Abstract

Background: The derivation and utility of birth weight centiles based on symphysiofundal height measurements were presented in an earlier study.


Objective: To validate the usefulness of intrapartum symphysio-fundal height measurements in fetal weight estimation.


Methods: A prospective study of a consecutive series of 4154 women who delivered at the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Enugu from 1st April 2000 to 31st July 2002.


Results: Approximately 6.7 percent (279/4154) of the birth weights were below the 10th centile for the given symphysio-fundal height; 79.1% (3286/4154) were between the 10th and 90th percentile while the remaining 14.2% (589/4154) were above the 90th percentile.


Conclusion: Intrapartum symphysio-fundal height measurement is a useful alternative to ultrasonography in birth weight estimation in women in Enugu, Eastern Nigeria. Whether the technique applies equally well in other populations needs to be determined and is recommended.


Key Words: Symphysiofundal Height, Birthweight, Nomogram


[Trop J Obstet Gynaecol, 2003, 20: 127-128]


Journal Identifiers


eISSN: 0189-5117