fundal measurement...should i be worried?

**Harri** · October 9th, 2007, 06:05 PM

Hi all,

Had my OB appointment today, and everything was good except she said that i was measuring 29 weeks instead of 27.5.... she told me it's no big deal, but if the gap gets bigger next appointment she'll send me for an ultrasound..!

Should i be worried...????

What does that mean if i', measuring too big next time...? could there be something wrong with bubs??

help!

**krisp** · October 9th, 2007, 06:08 PM

I don't think it's any big deal. I was a week or so ahead according to fundal height with my DS, he was born at 42 weeks and was only 6lb14 so measurements aren't exact. Don't worry!

**Willow** · October 9th, 2007, 07:08 PM

It's not a big deal, I've been measuring ahead by 1-2 weeks my whole pregnancy. It's pretty common in subsequent pregnancies because your uterus is a bit more stretched.

The worst it could mean in a first pregnancy I'd imagine is that your bub might be a bit bigger than average and that's why they'd do the u/sound to check growth etc.

I remember during my first prg I was measuring 2 weeks ahead at one appt then the next appt I was on schedule again. It's really nothing to worry about!

**Trillian** · October 9th, 2007, 07:14 PM

Ignore it, please! Many obs don't even measure the fundus anymore as it gives no indication of anything really and there are so many reasons why you could be bigger than the average - fluid levels, size and position of baby etc. At this stage bubs will still be sitting quite high and this can affect the measurements, once they move down and start to engage the measurement will more than likely drop.

**LadyRaven** · October 9th, 2007, 07:17 PM

Sometimes I think it can mean twins if the gap is really big. Other than that I've been behind, ahead, behind, ahead it really doesn't matter that much and isn't very accurate

**Harri** · October 9th, 2007, 07:41 PM

Thanks ladies! You have somewhat calmed me down!

It's hard when it is your first and you don't know what to expect!

xxx

**fionas** · October 9th, 2007, 09:26 PM

Haroula - just for extra reassurance, my ob is one of those who doesn't measure so I wouldn't worry at all. He just had a feel of my tummy and his predictions about weight were spot on.

**Ashlee** · October 9th, 2007, 10:53 PM

I wouldn't worry. 1 week I was measuring behind, 2 weeks later I was measuring ahead!

**MrsFabuloso** · October 10th, 2007, 08:48 AM

Don't worry from about 27 wks I always measured between 1-3 wks ahead and was constantly told I would have a big baby, around 4.5-5kg when born. She came out at 3.6kgs....pretty average! Don't listen to the measurements, it depends on so many variables that it can be pretty inaccurate.

**Harri** · October 10th, 2007, 09:06 AM

thank you so much! i feel so much better now...

if she hadn't said that she would send me for an U/S i wouldn't have thought anything of it!!

**Alan** · October 10th, 2007, 09:54 AM

As many others have said it is nothing to worry about. It is very inaccurate and many places no longer bother to measure your fundal height. The only thing it does is to cause mum to worry.

**mrsr** · October 10th, 2007, 10:40 AM

Thanks Alan...I'm bloody huge this time round but am not really that worried about my fundal height.

**Harri** · October 10th, 2007, 10:49 AM

Thanks Alan, your the best!!

~Belinda~ · October 10th, 2007, 09:33 PM

Haroula, sounds like you can rest easy now for all the reassurance you got from everyone, it will be just fine!

On this subject, my Ob told me last time that my little girl's head was a little bigger and I was worried too! What does that mean!!

I was 25 weeks when he saw me last and Bub's head was measuring 27 weeks?? Should I be concerned? I have another Ob appointment in a couple of weeks but I'm worried something might be wrong.

praying it's all ok and someone else's Ob has mentioned this. He said I shouldn't worry and made some joke about her brain being big.

Hope someone out there can help

**Trillian** · October 10th, 2007, 09:37 PM

Hi Bindy, I wouldn't worry about it too much. Some babies just have bigger heads than others - remember it takes all sizes to make the 'average' size. If there was a problem, I'm sure your Ob would have said so or arranged another scan etc.

**Carmen2** · October 12th, 2007, 06:38 AM

I remembered my Ob telling me the same thing before I had my third trimester ultrasound. Luckily, she reassured me that it is okay because it really depends on the baby's position which could largely affect the height of your uterus. Instead, ultrasound is the best indicator. I think it's better that Obs don't make any comments about our fundal heights because like everyone mentioned above, it does not bring us anything but worries!

~Belinda~ · October 16th, 2007, 01:35 PM

Thanks so much girls for all your support, I am a big worry wart!

**Harri** · November 8th, 2007, 03:44 PM

OK i'm back from my next OB appointment and she measured me at 34.5 weeks as apposed to 31.5 weeks so i'm of for an ultrasound!!

She says that we need to check whether or not i'm having a big bub, if it is she said we may induce early and if it is just fluid she'll keep an eye on bubs closer!At the moment bubs is head down and in position! i hope she stays there!!

If bubs is breech at the time due to be induced, it'll be a c-section! arg! i so am trying to avoid that!!

What is the issue with excess fluid??? is it dangerous?!