A survey of methods used to measure symphysis fundal height

Summary

Symphysis fundal height (SFH) is currently used in the UK as a screening test to identify which pregnancies may require additional investigations including the use of ultrasound fetal biometry. The routine use of SFH has been subjected to extensive research assessing its sensitivity and also inter and intraobserver variation. This study's aim was to assess the current UK practice of SFH measurement and particularly looked at methods used in its measurement. A total of 250 healthcare professionals (doctors and midwives) were asked to complete a structured anonymous questionnaire of which 211 health professionals agreed to participate. The results revealed that SFH is used less frequently by the professionals with less than 10 years clinical experience compared to professionals with more than 10 years clinical experience. In addition there was significant variance in the methods used to measure SFH that would increase the interobserver error.

Keywords:

• Fundal height
• measurement
• methods