Fetal palpation techniques and clinical applications

Fetal palpation commonly used to detect a variety of complications that can occur during pregnancy. One recent study of 1639 pregnant women compared symphysis fundal height (SFH) measurement with palpation to detect fetal intrauterine growth restriction and abnormal fetal growth. It also compared both techniques' efficacy in reducing neonatal hypoglycaemia; admission to neonatal nursery; premature labor and C-sections (Robert et al. 2012). "Symphysis-fundal height (SFH) measurement refers to the distance (measured in centimetres) over the abdominal wall from the top of the uterus (fundus) to the upper border of the symphysis pubis" (Symphysis-fundal height measurement, 2012, Midirs.org). Larger-than-average measurements are associated with breech deliveries -- or simply a larger-than-average baby. Smaller-than-average measurements can indicate a smaller-than-average baby or insufficient amniotic fluid (Symphysis-fundal height measurement, 2012, Midirs.org). The study found no difference between the techniques "but suggested no change in the current practice of using clinical palpation vs. SFH as the preferred method to test for a wider range of prenatal problems" (Symphysis-fundal height measurement, 2012, Midirs.org).