Symphysis–fundal height (SFH) is a simple measurement used during pregnancy to monitor how the baby is growing. It measures the distance, in centimetres, from the pubic bone (symphysis) to the top of the uterus (fundus).

SFH is usually measured from around 20 weeks of pregnancy at routine antenatal visits. From mid-pregnancy onwards, the number of centimetres often roughly corresponds to the number of weeks pregnant. What matters most is not a single measurement, but how the measurements change over time.

If the SFH measurement is smaller or larger than expected, or if it stops following the expected growth curve, this does not mean that something is wrong. It simply signals that further assessment is needed. In most cases, this means an ultrasound scan to look more closely at the baby’s growth, the amount of amniotic fluid, and blood flow in the placenta.

SFH is a screening tool, not a diagnosis. Many factors can influence the measurement, including the baby’s position, maternal body shape, and whether this is a first or subsequent pregnancy.