[Evaluation of measurement of maternal symphysis-fundus length as fetal growth screening method].

The diagnostic value of the measurement of the symphysis-uterine fundus length in determining intrauterine fetal growth was investigated. Symphysis-uterine fundus length readings varied according to the measuring method employed, but the Ando-Westin's measuring method provided reliable results and indicated fetal growth accurately. The standard curve of symphysis-fundus (SF) length during pregnancy was described from the data obtained by one doctor (M.I.) according to the Ando-Westin method in 101 pregnant women who delivered AFD infants. When the measured SF distance was over the mean plus SD or 3 cm more than the mean, an LFD infant or multiple pregnancy was felt to be highly probable. On the other hand, when the SF distance was less than the mean minus SD or 2 cm less than the mean, IUGR was definitely suspected. In conclusion, the accurate measuring of the SF distance is still an excellent screening test to detect abnormal fetal growth prior to more sophisticated sonographic or biochemical tests for abnormal fetal growth are undertaken.