Fundal height growth in rural Africa.

Gestational age was assessed by ultrasound examination before the 22nd week of pregnancy in 118 Ethiopian women. Their pregnancies were monitored by taking symphysis-fundus measurements. 114 gave birth in the 37th week or later and their record were incorporated in the project. The average gestational age of this group was 39.7 weeks with an average birth weight of 3,256 g. The uterine growth pattern was the same as for Swedish women, although the mothers' average height was 156 cm (10 cm below the Swedish standard).