Fundal height measurement  is the distance between the pubic bone to the top of the uterus measured in centimeters (cm).  This is done to monitor the growth rate , size and position of the baby. After the first 16 weeks of  pregnancy , the fundal height measurement usually matches the number of weeks you are pregnant. For example if you are 27 weeks pregnant,  your fundal height measurement is supposed to be around  27 cm.
 

 

What does it mean if my fundal height measurement is small

Measuring small means your fundal height measurement is more than 2 cm smaller than what is expected for your gestation age. This could be due to  the following :

• intrauterine growth restriction
• too little amniotic fluid

 
Your doctor will order an ultrasound  to confirm your gestational age and to rule out any serious condition.  You should know that having a small stature as well as tight abdominal muscles can result in small initial fundal height measurement.  Some babies are small because their parents are small.

What does it mean if your fundal height measurement is large

 
Measuring large means your fundal height is 2 cm more than  what is expected for your gestational age. Some of the possible reasons for this are :

• carrying multiples
• too much amniotic fluid
• having uterine fibroids
• having looser abdominal muscles which may result from earlier pregnancy
• your due date is incorrect
• having a bigger than normal baby as a result of gestational diabetes. This condition is called macrosomia.
• baby is positioned above the pelvis which is usually the case with placenta previa or breech baby.

If your health care provider sees any red flag, he will recommend an ultrasound as well as other tests.  This will help him determine the cause of that unusual measurement.

The fundal height is just a tool   for gauging how the fetus is growing  and its gestational age. It just offers an assurance  of a baby’s steady growth. If you are worried about your fundal height measurement, talk to your health care provider.
 
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