How to Find the Fundal Height

During pregnancy, the uterus expands up and out as the fetus grows. The fundus is the technical term for the top of the uterus. Measuring the fundal height involves measuring the uterus from the pubic bone to the top of the uterus. Although somewhat antiquated with the increased use of ultrasound technology to monitor fetal growth, measuring fundal height continues to be a useful way to gain an idea of how the fetus develops throughout the pregnancy.

Things You'll Need

  • Soft centimeter tape measure

Instructions

    • 1

      Ask the pregnant woman to lay flat on her back on a firm surface. Have the woman stretch her legs out in a prone position.

    • 2

      Position the "0" point on the tape measure at the top point of the pubic bone -- at the bottom of the uterus.

    • 3

      Stretch the tape measure over the uterus, conforming it gently to the curvation of the abdomen toward the top of the uterus.

    • 4

      Feel gently with your finger to find the fundus -- the top of the uterus. You should be able to feel the point where the uterus ends.

    • 5

      Note the fundus measurement in centimeters. This is the fundal height.

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