Measuring ahead in pregnancy

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

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. If you are getting your fundal height measured, remember that the measurement isn't used to estimate your due date — your last menstrual period and your first ultrasound exam will be used for that.

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.

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There is a lot of diagnostic testing that is completed while you're pregnant. Likely, you're already an expert on everything from nuchal screening to the four chamber heart exam. However, there are some tests that are a little more ambiguous, and may lend themselves to various answers running around your brain. A good example for these is the fundal height and ultrasound size testing. You may measure perfectly for your due date, or larger or smaller, depending. But, what does it mean if your baby is measuring ahead? Is it simply a case of a bigger baby, or should you be concerned?

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.

Measuring ahead in pregnancy

A fundal height measurement helps estimate the size of a fetus during 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. For example, if you're 27 weeks pregnant, your healthcare professional would expect your fundal height to be about 27 centimeters.

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Your Pregnant Belly Size and Shape. Your fundal height measurement changes as your pregnancy progresses. Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic Press. Another common explanation for a seemingly supersized stomach is a miscalculation of the conception date. Is it dangerous? International Business Collaborations. Sign up for free e-newsletters. What is a fundal height measurement? He was born less than 7lb - he was very long though. Othman AL et al. Anyway, just because you're 'measuring big', doesn't necessarily mean you'll go on to have a big baby! We take a closer look at the range.

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Your body type might also be at play; some women carry their babies lower, which makes them appear to stick out more. Click here for an email preview. Is it dangerous? Many things can affect fundal height measurements, but keep in mind that there isn't always a reason why someone's measurement is smaller or larger than expected. Try not to worry about the scale or the measuring tape. Estimating gestational age at birth from fundal height and additional anthropometrics: A prospective cohort study. Symphysial fundal height SFH measurement in pregnancy for detecting abnormal fetal growth. By Hallie Levine. Pay AS et al. It can be strategically difficult to determine the best course of action in these cases. There is a problem with information submitted for this request. Opens a new window Opens a new window Opens a new window.