Symphysis-fundus measurements and intrauterine growth retardation.

A prospective study of the clinical value of the symphysis-fundus (SF) distance was performed on 528 women, all at risk for developing intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR). Four different types of SF curves were observed and denoted as normal, static, catch-up and low. A normal or static SF curve predicted a normal birthweight (specificity 92%), while a catch-up or low SF curve identified 79% of the infants with a birthweight below -2 SD for length of gestation. The differences in short-term morbidity between infants delivered by mothers with normal and pathological SF curves were mainly due to prematurity. We find the SF method to be a useful tool for detection of IUGR. Since correct estimation of gestational age is a prerequisite, we recommend an early ultrasonic measurement on all patients.