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Fundal height, or McDonald's rule, is a measure of the size of the uterus used to assess fetal growth and development during pregnancy. It is measured from the top of the mother's uterus to the top of the mother's pubic symphysis.
Postpartum anemia is common after an episode of uterine atony and postpartum hemorrhage. [1] Severe anemia due to PPH may require red cell transfusions, depending on the severity of anemia and the degree of symptomatology attributable to anemia. A common practice is to offer a transfusion to symptomatic women with a hemoglobin value less than 7 ...
Routine use of fundal massage can prevent postpartum or post-abortion hemorrhage and can reduce pain; it may also reduce the need for uterotonics, medications that cause the uterus to contract. It is used to treat uterine atony , a condition where the uterus lacks muscle tone and is soft to the touch instead of firm.
The maneuvers are important because they help determine the position and lie of the fetus, which in conjunction with correct assessment of the shape of the maternal pelvis can indicate whether the delivery is going to be complicated, or whether a caesarean section is necessary.
Illustration of fundal height at various points during pregnancy Some degree of weight gain is expected during pregnancy. The enlarging uterus, growing fetus, placenta , amniotic fluid , normal increase in body fat, and increase in water retention all contribute weight gain during pregnancy.
After birth, the fundus contracts downward into the pelvis one centimeter each day. After two weeks the uterus will have contracted and return into the pelvis. [9] The sensation and strength of postpartum uterine contractions can be stronger in women who have previously delivered a child or children. [10]
The postpartum period can be divided into three distinct stages; the initial or acute phase, 8–19 hours after childbirth; subacute postpartum period, which lasts two to six weeks, and the delayed postpartum period, which can last up to six months. [5] In the subacute postpartum period, 87% to 94% of women report at least one health problem.
Symptoms include postpartum bleeding, abdominal pain, a mass in the vagina, and low blood pressure. [1] Rarely inversion may occur not in association with pregnancy. [5] Risk factors include pulling on the umbilical cord or pushing on the top of the uterus before the placenta has detached. [1]