Fundal height small but baby measuring big... now consultant??

[lunalucy82]

Hi, I'm 34 weeks pregnant and went for a check up with the midwife this week... my fundal height having previously been slightly above, then bang on, was slightly lower this week so my midwife explained that it was a trigger to go for a growth scan. She didn't seem worried and said that as my baby seems very curled up and is 3/5ths engaged (she's been head down for a while) it might be something to do with my fundal height not following my chart.

However after the growth scan the next day my baby is supposedly around the 95th centile despite my fundal height being smaller! I am 5ft9 and my partner is 6ft3 so it wouldn't surprise me if we have a slightly bigger baby... I was also a week overdue when I was born and almost 9lbs... but should I be worried about having to see the consultant? Nobody really explained why I was going. I called my midwife and spoke to a different community midwife who said lots of women are going through screening and it might be something to do with a plan of management or if the baby is small and needs a bit of help... but I explained about her being big (apparently her measurements are bigger than they'd expect from what I can tell although amniotic fluid levels are normal) and I think they predict she weighs around 6lbs5oz at the moment. I'm due in about 5 1/2 weeks and have to wait until 29th July to see the consultant so it can't be much of an emergency, can it?

Just a bit confused and felt I haven't had much explained to me... anyone else had a smaller fundal height but predicted to have a bigger baby?

[SoftSheen]

I can't answer your question directly. However, in late pregnancy my fundal height consistently measured slightly small (just 1-2 cm under, not enough to trigger any intervention). Just before my ELCS at (40+1) a midwife estimated the baby to be around 7 lbs. The theatre staff were quite surprised when they hauled DS out and he was actually 9 lb 5!

[lunalucy82]

yes it seems to be a bit of a guessing game... I've just not really come across anyone that has a smaller fundal height but baby is actually measuring big. I'm so confused and they just booked me in with a consultant with no explanation. It's just left me wondering whether they're going to plan something. I have to wait two weeks and will see my midwife 2 days before my consultant appt as well... hate all the waiting and not knowing what's going on...

[MetalMidget]

Not hugely helpful, but I had the exact opposite - my fundal height is massive compared to the actual size of the baby, with the estimate way above the top line.

I was sent for a growth scan, and it turns out that the estimate from that is still bang on the curve, and about 2.5lbs lighter than the fundal height would suggest - given that the proper estimate has him at 8.3lbs on due date it's a bit of a relief!

I've been told that I have a lot of fluid, so I'm slightly worried that when my waters go, it's going to be like Noah's flood...

Long story short - fundal height measurements are woefully inaccurate for some people. Seeing the consultant is possibly because they're predicting a large baby, and they'll want to check the positioning to make sure everything goes smoothly. As you've said, given the wait, it won't be anything urgent.

[TwirlyHoos]

My fundal height with DC1 was always 2 weeks behind. He was born at 40+3 weighing 9lb4! How far behind is your fundal height? Usually they aren't concerned if it's 2cm either side.

[hopinghopefullyagain]

I know of someone who had a very small bump and was sent for regular growth scans and consultant reviews which showed that her baby was big - too big for her to deliver naturally. She had a section and the baby was 6 pounds 4. It's not an exact science in my opinion