How do you palpate fundal height?

To measure the symphyseal-fundal height:

  1. Begin palpation of the abdomen just inferior to the xiphisternum using the ulnar border of your left hand.
  2. Locate the fundus of the uterus (a firm feeling edge at the upper border of the bump).
  3. Once the fundus has been identified, locate the upper border of the pubic symphysis.

How do you do Fundal palpation?

The purpose of palpating the fundus in a woman in labour is to discover how the baby is lying in the uterus. Use the palms of both hands to palpate on either side of the fundus, with your fingers quite close together (see Figure 2.4). Feel whether the top part of the uterus is hard and rounded or soft and irregular.

What is fundal height and How Is It measured?

Fundal height is the distance from the pubic bone to the top of the uterus measured in centimeters. After 24 weeks of pregnancy, fundal height often matches the number of weeks you’ve been pregnant.

When can you feel fundal height?

From conception to 12 weeks of pregnancy the uterus is contained within the bones of the pelvis and cannot be felt through the belly. After about 12 weeks, the uterus is large enough to be felt above the pelvis by your caregiver (and you), usually just being able to touch the very top of the uterus or fundus.

Where do you palpate the fundus?

At 16 weeks gestation, the fundus of the uterus can be palpated at the midpoint between the umbilicus and the pubic symphysis. At 20 weeks gestation, the fundus can be palpable at the level of the umbilicus.

How do you palpate a pregnant belly?

Lie

  1. Facing the patient’s head, place hands on either side of the top of the uterus and gently apply pressure.
  2. Move the hands and palpate down the abdomen.
  3. One side will feel fuller and firmer – this is the back. Fetal limbs may be palpable on the opposing side.

How do I find my fundus?

Your doctor will use a flexible measuring tape to measure the distance from your pelvis area to the top of your uterus. This is about where your belly slopes downwards after going over the highest point of your bump.

How do you calculate gestational age by palpation?

Gently palpate the abdomen with the left hand to determine the height of the fundus of the uterus:

  1. If the fundus is palpable just above the symphysis pubis, the gestational age is probably 12 weeks.
  2. If the fundus reaches halfway between the symphysis and the umbilicus, the gestational age is probably 16 weeks.

How do you palpate the uterus?

Method Of Exam

  1. Place your other hand midway between the umbilicus and the symphysis pubis and press downward toward the pelvic hand.
  2. Using the palmar surface of your fingers, palpate for the uterine fundus while gently pushing the cervix anteriorly with the pelvic hand.