38 wks pg - 44cm fundal height - worried.

[BabyMama]

I had an appt with the midwife today. My last appt was at 36+2 where the fundal height was 39cm which is large but not too worrying.

Today I'm 38+2 and the fundal height jumped 5cm to 44cm. The midwife thought I should have it checked and confirmed with the OB that I need a scan to check the amniotic fluid volume and the growth/wellbeing of the baby. They are so busy they can't fit me in until Monday.

I am a little concerned as I know that a larger than normal volume of amniotic fluid may indicate complications and I hate waiting until Monday to find out.

Should I be concerned or am I just being a paranoid mum.

[~clover~]

Don't forget that its possible that baby could be in a different position this time around. Especially if he's gone head down, rather than just where ever - making your uterus length longer.
I think high amniotic fluid levels would be more of a concern if picked up earlier in the pregnancy.
Nothings gonna ease your mind, but good luck for Monday.

[Lily Dust]

Totally agree with Clover. Bub could be sticking his little butt out further or anything! Good luck for Monday

[Sterla]

I was measuring 42cm at 39 weeks, but my midwife could tell by feel that bub is a normal size, just that I have a lot of fluid. No need for concern, just means there's more room for bub to swim around .

Like others have said, the position of baby can impact a lot too - if bub is not engaged your fundal height would be more than if bub is engaged too. There's a lot of of reasons for fundal height to change - most aren't anything to be concerned about. Try not to worry (easier said than done I know!)

[Trillian]

The main thing to remember here is that the fundal height measurement ONLY measures the height of your fundus - nothing else. So many things can influence the size of it from week to week that many practitioners don't even do it anymore. Plus it is your second baby so it is to be expected that your fundal height will be larger than the first time.

[BabyMama]

Thanks everyone for the advice and support.

I ended up seeing my GP yesterday and he made an appt for me this morning for a scan.

[STARRYSKY]

Hi Bm,

I just wanted to reassure you, it doesnt always mean anything s wrong.
I went to my 36 wk appt just to get my anti d jab, but my ankles and legs were so swollen the nurse wanted me to see a MW, when they took my belly measurement they all freaked out (freaking me out!!!) I was measuring 44 cm.
They booked me straight in for an emergency growth scan, wanted to do bloods, another GD test....my head was spinning!
I cried my eyes out the whole time (I was at the hospital by myself, first baby etc) and it was all panic for nothing, I was just full of fluid and had an average sized baby according to the sonographer (DS ended up being 9pd 10) I was VERY swollen, my hands, feet, face, legs etc..I had to be monitored for pre eclampsia, but I was fine, baby was fine.

I hope yours is all a big scare for nothing too xxx thinking of you, glad they got you in for a scan today xx

[Rainbow_Mumma]

i cant add anything the girls havent already, i hope your scan goes well this morning. I was always a few cms ahead with DD2 - this time around fundal was 49cm at 33 weeks not sure why they even measure mine

[BabyMama]

Thanks everyone. I had the scan and it showed I have above average amnio fluid but nothing to worry about. Bub is doing fine - large but fine!

Here's hoping he arrives soon!