Measuring ahead in pregnancy

A fundal height measurement helps estimate the size of a fetus during pregnancy, measuring ahead in pregnancy. In general, the measurement is defined as the distance in centimeters from the pubic bone to the top of the uterus. After week 24 of pregnancy, the fundal height generally is expected to match the number of weeks of pregnancy — plus or minus 3 centimeters.

When you're pregnant, your provider may routinely take a fundal height measurement — the distance from your pubic bone to the top of your uterus. This screening is one way to track your baby's growth. Fundal height is the distance from your pubic bone symphysis pubic to the top of your uterus fundus. Taking a fundal height measurement is an easy, inexpensive method of checking to see that your baby is growing well. If you're pregnancy is considered high-risk, your provider is likely to forgo fundal height measurements and use ultrasounds to track your baby instead.

Measuring ahead in pregnancy

What does it mean if your baby is measuring big for your dates? A baby measuring big means that he or she looks to be a bit bigger than what's considered average for the week you're at in your pregnancy. However, this news shouldn't cause you to worry. It doesn't necessarily mean that you'll give birth to a really big baby, or that there's anything wrong with their health. All it means is that doctors may want to monitor you and your baby more closely, and see if you need any tests. Your baby's size is checked by your midwife measuring your bump called 'fundal height' during a check-up. If they think you're measuring large for your dates, you'll likely be asked to go for what's known as a wellbeing or growth scan - or they may suggest some tests. Our resident GP, Dr Philippa Kaye read more about Philippa on her dedicated website , tells us you may be checked for gestational diabetes if your baby's measuring large, as this could be a possible reason why. We know a few of our mums have had a couple of other blood tests to check various things, like thyroid function, after being told their baby's measuring big. There's NO need to be alarmed if you need these tests. They're just precautionary, to check there's nothing underlying going on. Professor Basky Thilganathan , a Consultant Obstetrician and spokesperson for the RCOG , seems to agree, and stresses to us: "Most women who have a small baby or a large baby are having a healthy small baby or large baby. He adds: "Bigger babies are very unlikely to have placental dysfunction. I think the major concern with bigger babies is: could it potentially lead to difficulties at birth?

Medically Reviewed by Lorene Temming, M. Opens a new window Opens a new window Opens a new window Opens a new window. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.

We believe you should always know the source of the information you're reading. Learn more about our editorial and medical review policies. November 16, Latest update: See more UnSplash Here's what to know if your practitioner tells you that you're "measuring big. I'm afraid my baby will be too big to deliver vaginally. But guessing how big they are is just that — a big guess.

We believe you should always know the source of the information you're reading. Learn more about our editorial and medical review policies. November 16, Latest update: See more UnSplash Here's what to know if your practitioner tells you that you're "measuring big. I'm afraid my baby will be too big to deliver vaginally. But guessing how big they are is just that — a big guess.

Measuring ahead in pregnancy

Some babies are smaller, and some are like yours — showing off a bit by growing faster. Just as kids grow at different paces outside the womb my second child was taller than my first by the age of 4 , babies grow at their own pace inside the womb too. Your baby could just be having a little growth spurt. This condition can cause your baby to grow larger than average. The estimated due date is based on the date of your last period and could be off by a week or two. This could, in turn, make your baby a bit chubbier. Trust me on this one. As a mother of five, I can confirm this is true!

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More like this. An ultrasound can help find out what's causing the unusual measurements. Elsevier; Before you start doubling up the layette, however, keep in mind that just as many women who popped early and became convinced they were carting around two babies turned out to be bearing just one. Here's how:. How fundal height is measured by a provider How to measure fundal height on your own Should I be concerned about my fundal height measurement? Your provider will also consider your obstetric history and other factors If they have any concerns about your measurement, they'll order an ultrasound right away to check on your baby's growth and the level of amniotic fluid. Learn more about our editorial and medical review policies. American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology. A fundal height that is smaller or larger than expected — or that changes faster or slower than expected — may signal:. At the end of the day, it's better to know that your baby's being monitored closely, just to be safe. Also, fundal height measurements tend to be less accurate after 36 weeks of pregnancy. If you're concerned about your fundal height measurements, talk to your healthcare professional. Executive Health Program. No result.

A fundal height measurement helps estimate the size of a fetus during pregnancy.

He was actually 6lb 13oz at birth. That's also why expectant mothers who have previously given birth and whose abdominal muscles have already been stretched and loosened will tend to show earlier. About this Site. It can be tricky, even for experienced practitioners, to get an accurate fundal height number. A or week tummy will certainly be larger than a week one, so double-check your due date. Thank you for subscribing! Sign up for free e-newsletters. A late-stage ultrasound estimate can be off by a pound or more — which makes a huge difference in a 5-pound baby! Pugh SJ et al. Still, fundal height measurement is one screening tool that your provider can use to make sure that your baby is growing well and that your pregnancy is healthy. James Smith and he tells Romper, "Fundal height measurement isn't an exact science, but it gives us a good starting point. BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth 15, But — as long as you don't put too much stock in it — there's no harm in trying.