Correlations between Fundal Height Measurement and Estimated Fetal Weight in Term Deliveries

Abstract

This descriptive correlation research aimed to study correlations between fundal height and fetal weight in term pregnant women among 138 pregnant women delivered at Phonthong hospital, Roi-Et province during January and April 2020. Data collection was done by the measurement of fundal height and estimated fetal weight. Data analyses used in this study included frequencies, percentages, standard deviations and Pearson’s product moment correlation coefficients. Paired sample t-tests were used to compare between birth weight and estimate fetal weight.

The research results showed that the fundal heights had significant correlations with estimate fetal weights at a high positive level (r=0.992, p<0.01) and estimate fetal weights also had significant correlations with birth weights at a high positive level (r=0.831, p<0.01). The mean differences between birth weights and estimate fetal weights were 75.30 grams (SD=246.71) with a significant difference (p<0.001).

The study results confirmed that the fundal height can be used as an effective estimation of fetal weight. Therefore, the fundal height measurement should be recommended to use as a screening method for risks associated with mothers and newborns during intrapartum period, especially for those who are at risk for dystocia for proper management or referral to prompt health care services.