Prolonged Pregnancy and

Abnormal Fundal Height

Prolonged Pregnancy /
Post Term Pregnancy

Predisposing Factors
Genetic Predisposition
Obesity
Previous History of Prolonged Pregnancy
Male foetus

Foetal Risk of Prolonged Pregnancy

Foetal Distress
Meconium Aspiration

Maternal Risk of Prolonged

Pregnancy
Large for Gestational Age
Instrumental Delivery Obstetric Trauma
Psychological Stress
Induction of Labour

For Low Risk Antenatal

Women
Reassure and Explain Maternal and Foetal

Risks and the options of management

Monitor Foetal movement recording

- CTG

-USS (AFI)

- Biophysical profile

- Doppler Flow Study

Induction of Labour
C/Section if Induction fails

ABNORMAL FUNDAL
HEIGHT
Fundal Height is defined as the distance from

the top of the uterus to the pubic bone

measured in centimetres *

When is SFH Abnormal?

Consider it abnormal if the fundal height is 2 to
3 cm more or less than expected.

EXCEPTIONS to the Rule: Tall or Slim frame

Short / Heavy
frame
Full bladder
Multiple gestation
Constitutionally
small / big

Abnormal se SFH
IUGR
Oligohydramnious
Baby descending prematurely into the pelvis
Unusual position

Abnormal se SFH
Macrosomia
Polyhydraminous
Uterine Fibroids

Maternal illnesses that cause

Abnormal SFH
DM
HPT
Malignancies
Chronic Renal Disease
Rh isoimmunisation
Collagen Diseases

Polyhydraminous
Foetal swallowing
Abnormal amniotic membrane fluid transport
Problems with Urination
Congenital anormally - accounts for most cases

Problems
Interferes with Mothers comfort and breathing
PROM
Prem. Labour
Prem.delivery
Prolapse of foetal small parts and umbilical cord

Oligohydramionous
Reduced or absent foetal renal function
Abnormal membrane fluid transport
Congenital anormalies

Problem
Compression of the umbilical cord
Solution: Deliver

In Conclusion
Lets get the EGA right using LNMP or the

appropriate sonar to prevent iatrogenic

prolonged pregnancy
Lets get the SFH right it detects otherwise
subtle changes in foetal wellbeing and also
prevents potential harm to the mother

Many thanks