• J P Neilson.
• Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK, L69 3BX. jneilson@liverpool.ac.uk
• Cochrane Db Syst Rev. 2000 Jan 1; 1998 (2): CD000944CD000944.

BackgroundIn many settings, symphysis-fundal height measurement has replaced clinical assessment of fetal size by abdominal palpation because the latter has been reported to perform poorly.ObjectivesThe objective of this review was to assess the effects of routine use of symphysis-fundal height measurements (tape measurement of the distance from the pubic symphysis to the uterine fundus) during antenatal care on pregnancy outcome.Search StrategyThe Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth Group trials register was searched.Selection CriteriaAcceptably controlled trials comparing symphysis-fundal height measurement with assessment by abdominal palpation alone.Data Collection And AnalysisOne reviewer assessed trial quality and extracted data.Main ResultsOne trial involving 1639 women was included. No differences were detected in any of the outcomes measured.Reviewer's ConclusionsThere is not enough evidence to evaluate the use of symphysis-fundal height measurements during antenatal care.

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