Correlation between intrapartum fundal height and birth weight
Onah, H.E.; Ikeme, A.C.C.; Nkwo, P.O.
African Journal of Reproductive Health 6(2): 23-29
2002
ISSN/ISBN: 1118-4841 PMID: 12476714 DOI: 10.2307/3583127Document Number: 246116
In a prospective cross-sectional study, the correlation between symphysiofundal height (SFH) and birth weight was evaluated in 2646 consecutive parturients at the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Enugu, over a 19-month period. The standard deviations of the observed birth weight were least when the SFH measured 33-39 cm, which corresponded to the birth weight range 2500-3999 g. The overall standard deviation was 275 g. A second order polynomial fitted the data best, giving the equation y +/- 258.1-62.9x -3.8x2, where y represents the observed birth weight in grams and x the SFH in centimetres. The R2 statistic for the model was 0.82. This and other assessment showed a good model fit. The birth weight centiles for the various SFH measurements were derived and their usefulness discussed. It was concluded that the SFH-derived birth weight centiles are useful alternatives to ultrasonography especially in the birth weight range 2500-3999 g.