In placenta previa, fundal height may be greater than expected for gestational age. Which statement is true?

In placenta previa, fundal height may be greater than expected for gestational age. Which statement is true?

• A. Fundal height may be greater than expected
• B. Fundal height may be less than expected
• C. Fundal height is always equal to gestational age
• D. Fundal height cannot be assessed

Answer: (A)

Fundal height is a rough measure of uterine size that helps estimate gestational age, but it isn’t exact. When the measurement is larger than expected for gestational age, several explanations can fit, including incorrect dates, polyhydramnios, multiple gestation, or placental factors. In placenta previa, the placenta implants low in the uterus near the cervix. This low placement adds tissue mass in a way that can make the uterus feel larger during palpation and measurement, so the fundal height may be greater than what the gestational age alone would predict. It’s a cue to check dating and, when in doubt, use ultrasound to confirm gestational age and placental location. This finding doesn’t diagnose placenta previa by itself, but it’s a plausible clue that aligns with how placental position can influence external uterine measurements.

Fundal height is a rough measure of uterine size that helps estimate gestational age, but it isn’t exact. When the measurement is larger than expected for gestational age, several explanations can fit, including incorrect dates, polyhydramnios, multiple gestation, or placental factors. In placenta previa, the placenta implants low in the uterus near the cervix. This low placement adds tissue mass in a way that can make the uterus feel larger during palpation and measurement, so the fundal height may be greater than what the gestational age alone would predict. It’s a cue to check dating and, when in doubt, use ultrasound to confirm gestational age and placental location. This finding doesn’t diagnose placenta previa by itself, but it’s a plausible clue that aligns with how placental position can influence external uterine measurements.