What is the point in fundal height measuring?

Jennifurball · Jan 28th, 2012, 04:54 AM

After being told I am measuring 5cms below average, I was understandably pretty concerned. But then my sister said she had to go for a growth scan 2 weeks before labour, because they kept saying he was really small, and he came out over 7lbs then it turned out it was only because he was transverse. Why do they put us through all this worry?

Should such an old fashioned method be done away with? After I had my appointment, I felt kicks next to my hip so I knew she must have been laying sideways too but why didn't the midwife and doctor who had such concerned faces realise this? Or at least put my mind at rest at the time.

Angharad87 · Jan 28th, 2012, 04:57 AM

Pass! Mine has never felt my stomach so I have no idea what my fundal height is. :/ Or what it should be for that matter. If it's that easy to be fooled maybe it is a tad outdated. Guess it's just a cheap and easy way of getting an idea of size though.

babymama86 · Jan 28th, 2012, 04:59 AM

I am freaking out about my 28wk apointment and them measuring me because i was 1.5cm behind last time! Ive been told they still do it because it is acurate to the point where it can help to pick up a possible problem but i was of the same mind as you about the transverse thing!
Ive been so concerned im thinking of asking for a growth scan just to check everything is ok and to ensure shes still a girl lol!

miracle35 · Jan 28th, 2012, 05:21 AM

I really can't help as I haven't had mine measured yet? But I'm sure it can cause unnecessary worry at times. Sometimes they are overcautious aren't they. Try not to worry.

Jennifurball · Jan 28th, 2012, 07:14 AM

I have just received my letter for my scan, 15th Feb at 9.40.

letia659 · Jan 28th, 2012, 07:48 AM

I have no idea why they even measure this! mine is never right with babys size

Jennifurball · Jan 28th, 2012, 07:49 AM

I know, I was so excited to get my bump measured (no idea why lol), then I am shot down. Just hoping the scan proves everything is ok. x

letia659 · Jan 28th, 2012, 07:55 AM

Im sure it will

Im having growth scans every 2 weeks right now so Im stressed over babys growth but hopefully we will both have good scans!

Jennifurball · Jan 28th, 2012, 07:56 AM

She was bang on at the 20 week scan and my bump has been increasing so fingers crossed they are wrong!

Good luck with yours too. At least we get to see them again.

sequeena · Jan 28th, 2012, 08:08 AM

You can never be too careful. My waters broke at 14 weeks and along with regular scans, measuring the fundal height was helpful in telling whether my son was still growing or not.

Jan 28th, 2012, 04:54 AM	#1
Jennifurball Other Chat Happy BnB Member Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Preston, Lancs Posts: 2,025	What is the point in fundal height measuring? After being told I am measuring 5cms below average, I was understandably pretty concerned. But then my sister said she had to go for a growth scan 2 weeks before labour, because they kept saying he was really small, and he came out over 7lbs then it turned out it was only because he was transverse. Why do they put us through all this worry? Should such an old fashioned method be done away with? After I had my appointment, I felt kicks next to my hip so I knew she must have been laying sideways too but why didn't the midwife and doctor who had such concerned faces realise this? Or at least put my mind at rest at the time.

Status: Online

Jan 28th, 2012, 04:57 AM	#2
Angharad87 Pregnant (Expecting) Active BnB Member Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Swansea Posts: 835	Pass! Mine has never felt my stomach so I have no idea what my fundal height is. :/ Or what it should be for that matter. If it's that easy to be fooled maybe it is a tad outdated. Guess it's just a cheap and easy way of getting an idea of size though.

Status: Offline

Jan 28th, 2012, 04:59 AM	#3
babymama86 Pregnant (Expecting) Active BnB Member Join Date: Nov 2011 Posts: 437	I am freaking out about my 28wk apointment and them measuring me because i was 1.5cm behind last time! Ive been told they still do it because it is acurate to the point where it can help to pick up a possible problem but i was of the same mind as you about the transverse thing! Ive been so concerned im thinking of asking for a growth scan just to check everything is ok and to ensure shes still a girl lol!

Status: Online

Jan 28th, 2012, 05:21 AM	#4
miracle35 Pregnant (Expecting) Active BnB Member Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: London Posts: 344	I really can't help as I haven't had mine measured yet? But I'm sure it can cause unnecessary worry at times. Sometimes they are overcautious aren't they. Try not to worry.

Status: Offline

Jan 28th, 2012, 07:14 AM	#5
Jennifurball Other Chat Happy BnB Member Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Preston, Lancs Posts: 2,025	I have just received my letter for my scan, 15th Feb at 9.40.

Status: Online

Jan 28th, 2012, 07:48 AM	#6
letia659 Mum (Mom) BnB Addict Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Tennessee Posts: 2,793	I have no idea why they even measure this! mine is never right with babys size

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Jan 28th, 2012, 07:49 AM	#7
Jennifurball Other Chat Happy BnB Member Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Preston, Lancs Posts: 2,025	I know, I was so excited to get my bump measured (no idea why lol), then I am shot down. Just hoping the scan proves everything is ok. x

Status: Online

Jan 28th, 2012, 07:55 AM	#8
letia659 Mum (Mom) BnB Addict Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Tennessee Posts: 2,793	Im sure it will Im having growth scans every 2 weeks right now so Im stressed over babys growth but hopefully we will both have good scans!

Status: Offline

Jan 28th, 2012, 07:56 AM	#9
Jennifurball Other Chat Happy BnB Member Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Preston, Lancs Posts: 2,025	She was bang on at the 20 week scan and my bump has been increasing so fingers crossed they are wrong! Good luck with yours too. At least we get to see them again.

Status: Online

Jan 28th, 2012, 08:08 AM	#10
sequeena Trying to conceive (TTC) BnB Elite Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: South Wales, UK Posts: 16,975	You can never be too careful. My waters broke at 14 weeks and along with regular scans, measuring the fundal height was helpful in telling whether my son was still growing or not.

Status: Offline

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