What is the significance of measuring fundal height during pregnancy?

Measuring fundal height during pregnancy is significant because it provides a correlation with the gestational age of the fetus. The fundal height is the distance from the pubic bone to the top of the uterus, and this measurement helps healthcare providers estimate fetal growth and development. As the pregnancy progresses, the fundal height generally increases in a predictable manner, usually reaching approximately one centimeter in fundal height per week of gestational age, starting from around 20 weeks.

This measurement can help identify if the fetus is growing appropriately. If the fundal height is consistently too low or too high for the gestational age, it may prompt further investigation into potential issues such as intrauterine growth restriction or polyhydramnios. Therefore, measuring fundal height is a valuable practice in monitoring pregnancy health and identifying any potential concerns regarding fetal development.