fundal height

fundal height

[fun′dəl]

Etymology: L, fundus, bottom; AS, heightho

the height of the fundus of the uterus, measured in centimeters from the top of the symphysis pubis to the highest point in the midline at the top of the uterus. Fundal height is measured at each prenatal visit with large blunt calipers or with a tape measure. From the twentieth to the thirty-second week of pregnancy the height in centimeters is equal to the gestation in weeks. Two measurements 2 weeks apart showing a deviation of more than 2 cm may indicate that the fetus is large or small for dates, that the estimated gestation is in error, or that the woman is carrying a multiple pregnancy.