The development of a local symphysis-fundal height chart in a rural area of Tanzania.

In this prospective community-based study, a symphysis-fundal height chart was constructed, derived from 403 measurements in 83 women, in a local rural population. Using the recommended Cardiff chart, 132 measurements (32.9%) were below the 10th centile line, while only two measurements were above the 90th centile line. This may indicate that a high percentage of the Tanzanian fetus are growth retarded or genetically small. The relative importance of each of these remains unknown. Use of the Cardiff chart in rural Tanzania could result in unnecessary referrals, which is undesirable in view of both the women involved and strained resources. Therefore, the use of a symphysis fundal height chart, based on measurements in the local population, is recommended.