uterus measurements - early labour?

[JordieC]

Just wondering how accurate uterus measurements were for due date of baby? at 35 weeks I was 37cm so just curioous if this is large and means early labour? my ob said it was normal but I would love to know if it means possible early labour?

[Alan]

Hi JordieC
They are very imaccurate. In fact most places no longer bother to measure your uterine height anymore. The height of your uterus depends on many things including the position of the baby, Amount of amniotic fluid, The accuracy of the person doing the measuring. You will find many threads on this site with women talking about how inaccurate the uterus measurement are.

[Tiff+2]

Hi Jordiem,

I had a 24 week check up with my GP who said I was 26cms which got me a bit excited that maybe baby would come a little earlier than expected. Then went to my 28week Ob appointment who said I was 27cms! She did explain all those things Alan said about how inaccurate they are.

Do be disappointed baby still may supprise you and come at a safe, earlier date!
Take care

[Berry]

I was measured as 36cms at 31 weeks...hmmmm. Was kinda hoping my dates would be wrong so bub could be born sooner, but apparently the dates derived early in the pregnancy are pretty accurate.

[Dragonbub]

My OB doesn't even bother with it! She just looks at my tummy and the scans show the bub's size, fluid, placenta etc which is enough to make sure things are progressing as they should.

[noobie]

I just had an appointment and I'm only measuring 33cms at 35 weeks (I've been spot on previously) so I've got an ultrasound next week to check everything is ok. I've lost about 2 kg's due to the flu (meaning I've only put on 8 in the pregnancy - 60kgs now) in the past fortnight and I'm also fairly positive that the baby has moved lower into my pelvis because for the first time since May I don't need Rennies after every meal - woo hoo! Baby's movements are fine and my belly shape feels different.

Still, I guess measuring the uterus and having some sort of benchmark creates a standard, but I must admit to having a cry on the way home worrying about the baby not growing, until I got online and read all about how inaccurate the measurement can be. I suppose it is good that they are thorough, but every body is so unique that it can be quite scary when you don't measure up!