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, measuring ahead in pregnancy, if you're 27 weeks pregnant, your healthcare professional would expect your fundal height to be about 27 centimeters.

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.

Measuring ahead in pregnancy

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? There are a myriad of reasons you might be measuring ahead. One is that you have an abnormally large amount of amniotic fluid — more than normal — surrounding your baby. This condition, known as polyhydramnios, is usually noticeable to the mother because of the feeling of discomfort and difficulty feeling the baby move in the womb, according to the Mayo Clinic. Another reason is that your due date was calculated incorrectly, which, while rare, does occur. You could be carrying a large baby, or more than one, or you might have fibroids of a significant size that's forcing your womb forward, causing you to measure ahead, according to The Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology. But what are the implications of measuring ahead for the mother and child? Is it dangerous?

Fetal growth restriction: Screening and diagnosis.

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.

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! Your healthcare provider uses a device called a transducer, a wand-like device that sends out high-frequency sound waves.

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. Some factors can make a fundal height measurement less accurate. They include obesity and a history of common growths in the uterus called fibroids. Also, fundal height measurements tend to be less accurate after 36 weeks of pregnancy. A fundal height that is smaller or larger than expected — or that changes faster or slower than expected — may signal:. If your fundal height is different than expected, your healthcare professional might suggest an ultrasound imaging test.

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American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology. 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. News Network. Symonds I, et al. International Patients. 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. Professor Basky also reassures us that there is no one 'big baby size' that's known to cause problems with a vaginal delivery or that definitely requires a C-section - because every pregnant woman's circumstances are different. Medical Review Policy All What to Expect content that addresses health or safety is medically reviewed by a team of vetted health professionals. BJOG 11 : Share on facebook. Her favorite gig of all is being "Mama Karen" to four grown children and "Nana" to nine grandkids. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Try your best not to overly worry - we know it's tricky, but hang in there? Medical Professionals. Or you may have a uterine fibroid or extra amniotic fluid neither of which is necessarily a big deal.

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A or week tummy will certainly be larger than a week one, so double-check your due date. But mostly, they just keep an eye on it. This article was originally published on Oct. This screening is one way to track your baby's growth. A fundal height measurement helps estimate the size of a fetus during pregnancy. Too much or too little amniotic fluid is uncommon, but it can put you at risk for complications. Answer From Mary Marnach, M. Round ligament pain in pregnancy. It's a pretty tense question. Your baby's size is checked by your midwife measuring your bump called 'fundal height' during a check-up. Mayo Clinic. He was born less than 7lb - he was very long though. Indeed, we've had loads of similar stories to this one pop up in our reassuring forum discussions on the subject. Get the Mayo Clinic app. We take a closer look at the range.