What Is Symphysis Fundal Height (SFH)?

Expectant mothers often receive various medical tests and measurements to ensure the health and well-being of both themselves and their growing baby. 

One such measurement, Symphysis Fundal Height (SFH), is a term you may come across during your prenatal care. While it aids in monitoring fetal growth and detecting potential abnormalities promptly, SFH is not immune to errors or negligence, which can lead to medical malpractice cases.

In this article, we will define SFH, explore its importance, and discuss its relevance in the context of medical malpractice, particularly in a city like Toronto, which is known for its specialized legal services in this field.

Understanding Symphysis Fundal Height

Symphysis Fundal Height (SFH), often referred to as fundal height, constitutes a pivotal prenatal measurement designed to assess the growth and positioning of the developing fetus within the maternal uterus. 

This measurement is quantified in centimetres, denoting the vertical distance from the pubic bone to the apex of the uterus.

The Role of SFH in Prenatal Care

Healthcare providers use SFH to track the progress of a pregnancy, ensuring the developing fetus is following its expected growth pattern. SFH serves several vital purposes in prenatal care:

• Monitoring fetal growth: A consistent increase in SFH measurements indicates healthy fetal growth. Deviations from the expected range can signify issues like growth restriction or excessive growth, prompting further evaluation.
• Estimating gestational age: SFH helps healthcare providers assess the baby’s gestational age, especially when the conception date is uncertain. Accurate gestational age information is essential for scheduling appropriate prenatal tests and screenings.
• Detecting complications: Significant deviations in SFH measurements may indicate complications such as preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, or multiple pregnancies, allowing for early intervention and management.
• Tailoring prenatal care: SFH measurements assist healthcare providers in customizing prenatal care to meet each patient’s specific needs, ensuring optimal care throughout pregnancy.
• Assessing the need for further testing: When SFH measurements raise concerns, healthcare providers may order additional tests like ultrasounds or Doppler studies to better understand the baby’s health and growth.

When do Doctors Measure Fundal Height?

SFH is an indispensable tool for healthcare practitioners, enabling them to meticulously track fetal growth and validate its conformity to the anticipated gestational age.

Healthcare providers start measuring Symphysis Fundal Height at around 24 weeks of pregnancy, as this is when the measurement begins to correspond with the week of gestation closely. This measurement continues at each prenatal appointment, helping to track the baby’s growth and position as the pregnancy progresses.

How is Fundal Height Measured?

To measure SFH, healthcare providers locate the symphysis pubis, a cartilage joint between the pubic bones, and the fundus, the top part of the uterus. They use a paper or plastic tape measure to calculate the distance between the symphysis pubis and the fundus.

As the pregnancy advances, the position of the fundus changes. At around 12 weeks, it is near the pubic bone, reaching the belly button at 20 weeks. After 36 weeks, the fundus starts to descend as the baby engages in the pelvis in preparation for labour.

How Accurate is Fundal Height Measurement?

Fundal height is a simple and non-invasive method for monitoring a baby’s growth and position. It can be the first indicator of any potential problems with evolution or the baby’s position. 

If healthcare providers find the fundal height concerning, they may recommend further tests, such as ultrasounds, which are more accurate in estimating the baby’s size. 

However, it’s important to note that no method 100% accurately estimates fetal size. Variations of a centimetre or two are common and do not necessarily indicate a problem.

Symphysis Fundal Height and Medical Malpractice

While SFH is an essential aspect of prenatal care, it also plays a substantial role in the context of medical malpractice, a sobering reality that affects individuals and families in Toronto and beyond. 

Medical malpractice can occur when healthcare providers make mistakes or fail to meet the expected standard of care in the context of SFH measurements. Here are some common scenarios where SFH-related malpractice may arise:

• Inaccurate measurements: Inaccurate SFH measurements, or the misinterpretation of these measurements, can lead to birth injuries or complications during labour and delivery. For example, failing to detect a small-for-gestational-age baby through SFH measurements could result in adverse outcomes, such as brain injuries, cerebral palsy, or other birth-related complications. 
• Negligent follow-up: Consistency in SFH measurement is key. Negligent or inconsistent follow-up can lead to the oversight of fetal growth issues, jeopardizing both the mother’s and baby’s health.
• Failure to refer for further testing: When SFH measurements raise concerns, it is incumbent on healthcare providers to refer patients for additional diagnostic tests, such as ultrasound examinations. Failing to do so can lead to delays in diagnosis and treatment.
• Misdiagnoses: SFH measurements can lso be instrumental in diagnosing conditions like oligohydramnios (too little amniotic fluid) or polyhydramnios (excessive amniotic fluid). If these conditions are misdiagnosed, it can have severe consequences for both the mother and the baby.
• Lack of informed consent: Clear communication between healthcare providers and expectant parents is essential. Informed patients are better equipped to participate in their healthcare decisions. When the significance of SFH measurements is not explained, patients might miss out on the opportunity to discuss potential interventions or further tests.

Understanding the Legal Path in Medical Negligence

Medical malpractice cases involving SFH negligence can have severe consequences for the affected. In Toronto, medical malpractice lawyers play a pivotal role in seeking justice for those who have suffered due to medical negligence. 

These legal experts assist victims in understanding their rights, evaluating the circumstances of the malpractice, and pursuing appropriate legal actions.

The legal journey typically commences with an initial consultation with a medical malpractice lawyer. Following this, the lawyer initiates an investigation to collect pertinent evidence and formulates a legal strategy based on the gathered information. 

If necessary, the case proceeds to litigation, involving court proceedings before a judge or jury. Appeals can follow, and if the lawsuit succeeds, patients and their families receive compensation that covers medical expenses and emotional distress. This process ultimately allows patients to seek closure and access the support they need with the guidance of experienced medical malpractice lawyers in Toronto.

Seeking Justice With a Medical Malpractice Lawyer in Toronto

Medical malpractice cases can have life-altering consequences, leaving victims unaware that their injuries were preventable and often leading to a profound need for compensation. Birth injuries, surgical errors, or misdiagnoses can dramatically impact individuals and their families, necessitating extensive care and support.

At Sommers Roth Elmaleh, our dedicated team of medical malpractice lawyers in Toronto combines deep knowledge of medicine with extensive expertise in Canada’s medical system. If you or your loved one has suffered due to medical errors or negligence, contact us today for a free consultation at 1-844-940-2386 or online.