JustMommies / Pregnancy / Second Trimester

Fundal Height

What exactly is a fundus and how is fundal height measured? If you've heard these words during your pregnancy, you might have asked these questions. Fundal height is useful in assessing fetal growth and development. Too high of a measurement and you could be having twins(or other fetal growth problems). Too low of a measurement and your baby could be having problems with fetal growth such as intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR).

Fundus is the medical term for the upper portion of the uterus between the fallopian tubes. Fundal height is measured using a tape measure and measuring from the top of your pubic bone to the top of your fundus. Fundal height is measured in centimeters and should closely match your baby's gestational age. So, for example, if you're 24 weeks pregnant, your fundal height should be 24 centimeters.

Fundal height can vary from person to person and it is not an exact measurement. As you approach late pregnancy, fundal height will become less accurate.

Please remember that fundal height is only one factor in assessing fetal development.