Fundus (uterus)
Encyclopedia
The fundus of the uterus
is the top portion, opposite from the cervix
.
Fundal height
, measured from the top of the pubic bone, is routinely measured in pregnancy
to determine growth rates. If the measurement is smaller or larger than what would be expected for gestational age, it can be a crude indicator of an abnormality (for example, a breech
or sideways presentation, twins
, or a placental issue), requiring further tests such as ultrasound
to determine the exact nature of the problem, if any.
Uterus
The uterus or womb is a major female hormone-responsive reproductive sex organ of most mammals including humans. One end, the cervix, opens into the vagina, while the other is connected to one or both fallopian tubes, depending on the species...
is the top portion, opposite from the cervix
Cervix
The cervix is the lower, narrow portion of the uterus where it joins with the top end of the vagina. It is cylindrical or conical in shape and protrudes through the upper anterior vaginal wall...
.
Fundal height
Fundal height
Fundal height, or McDonald's rule, is a measure of the size of the uterus used to assess fetal growth and development. It is measured from the top of the mother's uterus to the top of the mother's pubic bone in centimeters. It should match the fetus' gestational age in weeks within 1 to 3 cm,...
, measured from the top of the pubic bone, is routinely measured in pregnancy
Pregnancy
Pregnancy refers to the fertilization and development of one or more offspring, known as a fetus or embryo, in a woman's uterus. In a pregnancy, there can be multiple gestations, as in the case of twins or triplets...
to determine growth rates. If the measurement is smaller or larger than what would be expected for gestational age, it can be a crude indicator of an abnormality (for example, a breech
Breech birth
A breech birth is the birth of a baby from a breech presentation. In the breech presentation the baby enters the birth canal with the buttocks or feet first as opposed to the normal head first presentation....
or sideways presentation, twins
TWINS
Two Wide-Angle Imaging Neutral-Atom Spectrometers are a pair of NASA instruments aboard two United States National Reconnaissance Office satellites in Molniya orbits. TWINS was designed to provide stereo images of the Earth's ring current. The first instrument, TWINS-1, was launched aboard USA-184...
, or a placental issue), requiring further tests such as ultrasound
Ultrasound
Ultrasound is cyclic sound pressure with a frequency greater than the upper limit of human hearing. Ultrasound is thus not separated from "normal" sound based on differences in physical properties, only the fact that humans cannot hear it. Although this limit varies from person to person, it is...
to determine the exact nature of the problem, if any.