The fundus position

Maybe you've already come across it in your maternity record or heard the term during childbirth preparation classes: the fundal height. In this article, we'll tell you what the fundal height actually is, how it is measured, and what the different values and abbreviations mean.

What is the fundus position?

As fundus, midwives and medical professionals refer to the upper edge of the uterus. The fundal height indicates the Distance between the fundus and various fixed points at: At the beginning of pregnancy, this is the distance between the fundus and pubic bone and later between fundus and navel or Rib arch . This allows measurement of how far the uterus extends upward during pregnancy. The value then provides insights into your Pregnancy week as well as on the growth of your baby.

In the past, the fundal height was considered the standard for measuring the uterus and thus tracking the progress of pregnancy, but today the development of your baby and the determination of the pregnancy week can be more accurately checked with . It may also be possible that the fundal height is difficult to palpate for you, for example because you have excess amniotic fluid or are overweight – in these cases, the check is often done exclusively by ultrasound.

How is the fundus position measured?

With your Preventive examinations Will your midwife or your gynecologist/doctors measure the fundal height with the so-called Leopold maneuvers palpate. To do this, he or she places their hands flat on your abdomen and gently presses to locate the measurement points. This is possible at the end of the 3rd month, as before that the uterus is still in the small pelvis and cannot be felt from the outside. The measured value is then recorded after each examination on page 7 of your Mother's Pass registered. It is important that your bladder is empty during the examination to avoid distorting the results.

Feel the fundus position yourself

With a little practice, you can also feel your fundal height yourself at home - it's best to have your midwife or your gynecologist show you how once. Lie down comfortably on your back and first locate your pubic symphysis. It feels bumpy and is situated in the middle of your lower pelvis, above your pubic bone. Next, you need to find your fundus, which should be a slightly palpable bump. Before the you will usually find the fundus below your navel and then above it. Now you only need a measuring tape or you can also measure with your fingers spread horizontally to determine your fundal height.

Since your own measurements are often a bit less accurate, you don't need to worry immediately if your values differ from the standard values. It's best to have your midwife or your gynecologist check your values again.

Fundus Position Table

Here is an overview for you of which values are within the normal range for fundus height and which abbreviation is entered in the maternal pass.

Causes of a deviating fundus position

Sometimes, a higher or lower value than the normal value may be measured in your case. Often, harmless reasons or simply a measurement error are behind it, but more serious complications can also cause the deviations, which is why the value and the development of your baby should be checked regularly.

Too high fundus level

• Multiple pregnancies : Whatever, whether Twins , triplets or even quadruplets – multiple babies need more space, and with that, you already have a higher stock level at an earlier stage.

• Uterine fibroids: These are benign tumors that cause no symptoms in about half of the women. However, pregnancy can stimulate growth due to increased hormone production and potentially enlarge the uterus, which explains the elevated fundal height. In most cases, fibroids do not cause serious problems during pregnancy. However, you should discuss the treatment with your gynecologist.

• Your child is growing excessively large (macrosomia): Some babies grow faster, some slower. However, if your baby weighs more than 95 percent of babies at this age during the examination, it is called macrosomia. Risk factors for this excessive growth include diabetes or Pregnancy diabetes . If an estimated birth weight of 4,500 grams or more is calculated, then typically Cesarean section advised.

• Too much amniotic fluid (polyhydramnios): An excessive amount of amniotic fluid can lead to an increase in abdominal circumference and thus to a higher fundal height. To avoid complications such as premature rupture of membranes or an abnormal fetal position, your doctor may perform an amniocentesis to remove some amniotic fluid for relief.

Too low fundus level

• Your baby is lying across : The position of your baby in the womb can influence the value. Often, this is no reason to worry, and many babies move into the correct position during pregnancy for the Birth .

• Your baby is small: Many different causes can be responsible for this. Each child is individual and has their own pace of growth, and your own body stature also influences your baby's size, so minor fluctuations are normal. However, developmental disorders or malformations can also be responsible for a low fundal height. The growth should be monitored by your doctor and clarified with further examinations.

• Too little amniotic fluid (oligohydramnios): The suspicion that you have too little amniotic fluid can arise if your uterine size is smaller than expected. Often, close monitoring of your baby's development follows, as oligohydramnios can, among other things, lead to delayed or incomplete growth.

• Miscarriage: There are many possible causes for a Miscarriage . One sign can be, among other things, a too low fundal height, indicating that the fetus is not developing further. To rule out a miscarriage, various examinations are then conducted. The further along you are in pregnancy, the less likely a miscarriage is - according to the 16th week of pregnancy The risk is less than 5 percent.

Fundal position after childbirth

Many women are surprised when they still look pregnant after childbirth — but this is more the rule than the exception. :) The reason is the relaxed abdominal muscles and the still enlarged uterus. In Postpartum your body has time to regenerate and recover, and the uterus begins to shrink. The so-called False or Braxton Hicks contractions the regression. The postnatal healing process Your uterus can between 4 and 6 weeks duration, however, varies greatly from woman to woman. At your Lochia can you tell how far the healing has progressed - its composition changes over time and turns from bloody red to yellowish-white. how far the uterus has regressed can your midwife check via the fundal height:

• Immediately after birth Fundus 1 to 3 fingerbreadths below the navel

• 1. Tag nach der Geburt Fundus 1 Querfinger above the navel

• 5. Day after the birth : Fundus between navel and pubic bone

• 10. Day after birth : Fundus just above the pubic bone

• After about 14 days, the fundal height should no longer be palpable.

Even here, minor deviations are often harmless. The reference values are only meant as a guide and should not cause you concern, as each uterus recovers at a different rate. The value is influenced, for example, by the size of your baby at birth, your as well as the and type of delivery. For example, after a cesarean section, the uterus usually takes longer to return to its normal size than after a natural birth. Even if you have already had several children, the recovery may take longer, as it costs your uterus more effort to get back into shape.

If you're unsure about your fundus height — whether during pregnancy or after birth — discuss your concerns with your midwife or your gynecologist. We wish you a wonderful pregnancy!