Although sonographic techniques have vastly improved the clinical estimation of gestational age (GA), the reality remains that in many developing countries pregnant women have no access to ultrasound facilities.
Clinicians traditionally relied on the date of the last menstrual period (LMP), or – more recently ‐ measurement of the symphysis‐fundus height (SFH). Both of these are known to have limitations. The technique of SFH measurement was first described by Spiegelberg in the German literature in 1891 (Lehrbuch der geburtshulfe fur arzte und studierende. 3:126, aufl. neu bearbeitet von Max Wiener, Lahr, 1891). It was originally meant to detect the growth-restricted fetus rather than estimating the GA.
SFH measurement is subject to significant intra‐ and inter‐observer variation and can be distorted by other factors such as a full bladder and morbid obesity. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
