Fundal height not increasing?

[CalaLilly]

I had my funday height measured today and it was 28cm- which is the same as it was a month a go. It was a different midwife today (because I was in the hospital day care rather than at my community midwife) and she wasn't too bothered because of different people measuring it. She did say that if it was out from my gestation by 3cm then that would be a small cause for concern. I'm very nearly 32 weeks now so I think that figure is out by 4cm! I've not put on any weight this year (did put on quite a bit over Christmas though) and my bump doesn't seem to have grown for a few weeks (it feels "fuller" but my clothes aren't tighter). I'm a little anxious that maybe I should have a growth scan but guess that I'll have to leave it a few weeks until I see my community midwife again at 34 weeks.

Has anyone else had this?

I would trust what the MW said - I'm sure that different people can measure the FH differently. I was once measured by a different (student) MW who got a v different result from my normal MW.

I also used to measure myself before appointments to see what it might be and I found a couple of times it could be different if I'd had a big meal for example.

They are usually pretty cautious and I'm sure she would have asked for a second opinion if there was any concern, but if you want reassurance then maybe give your normal MW a call and see if you can pop in sometime this week for her to check?

I had mine measured today Calallilly and I am 34 cm (nearly 31 weeks PG) so about 3 over. MW talked about baby possibly being 'big'. Well I do feel as though I'm about to burst, but I'm sure I've read other threads on here where it's been clear that it's very hard to tell how big the baby is from these measurements?

I too have to wait for 4 weeks now until next measurement. What are they going to do if my baby is 'big' anyway? I'm quite a big person myself with what are widely called "child bearing hips" and women much much smaller build than I have safely had huge babies. So I'm not going to worry about it. (From memory at about this stage last PG they thought the baby was a bit 'small' - she was spot on average weight when born)

Best of luck

I do not want to freak you out but I measured small at 26 weeks and it was the first sign something was wrong. My DS was growth restricted and had to be delivered early. He's fine now. It's probably nothing at all but I would see if you can get it checked just in case.

Hope it's nothing!

WillbeanChariot, you haven't freaked my out! I've looked after lots of babies with IUGR, olighyramnious, reduced endiatolic flow etc- many of whom needed treating in NICU for a long time after birth and all of whose mummy's had a small fundal height. Hence why I'm a wee bit worried! I was surpised she was a bit flippant about it as yes, there is a large margin for human error but surely it would be worth getting a second opinion! I'll monitor bump closely and maybe do my own crude measurements for a weak or so and will then go back to my community midwife if I'm still worried. It's likley to be nothing (I am only little myself) but I'd rather keep a close eye on it!!

I would not trust the tape measure method. My MW and consultant both measured me differently on the same day. At first MW got me as being 4 cm out and then remeasured and said 2 cm out. Luckily I am having growth scans.

Good advice from willbean - in my first preg, measuring small was also an indicator that something was wrong. My liqor volume had dropped and baby's growth slowed.

Ask fro a scan for reassurance. They should be taking more than 2cm out quite seriously. It stupid that your MW is conjecturing.

It could be nothing but IMHO why are they bothering to measure at all if they aren't going to take any notice of the readings!

I had similar in my 1st pregnancy. Three measurements over 6 weeks by three different people (GP, midwife, obs consultant) were all the same ie bump not growing. It was put down to human error. My bump did look very small but people said not to worry so I didn't.

I did finally have a growth scan at 33 weeks which said all was OK.

She was born naturally at 40 weeks IUGR only weighing 5lb 4oz and spent 10 days in SCBU!

The consultant I've seen in this pregnancy said the growth scan was actually not entirely normal (GP got it wrong) and should have been repeated. So my advice is to push for a scan and ensure the person reading it knows what they're about.

I'm so glad I posted this thread as it gave me the courage to pop back today (I was in the hopsital anyway). The same midwife remeasured bump and then sent me for an emergency scan. Turns out baby is showing signs of growth retardation and the placenta isn't as efficient as it could be. I now have to swap from midwife to consultant led care and have regular scans. Baby may even be born premature. At least things are being monitored closely now!! I am a bit scared as I've looked after IUGR babies but know that me and baby will be well looked after, whatever happens.

Well done Cala. You really shouldn't have to push for care you need but thank goodness you did. Best of luck I'm sure it will all turn out ok.

So pleased you found out in time. MN really is a an amazing source of support and info.

I think you aught to complain re MW and check what guidelines say.

Keep eye out for movements.

Even if baby is born early, you have passed the extremely prem age range (22-27 weeks) and so baby should be fine.

Pl keep us updated.

if your pre-preg BMI was 19 or less, tape measuring fundal height would not yield correct results!! only ultrasound can reveal correct measurements. that's why in many countries doctors abandoned this method years ago as it was viewed as old-fashioned and inaccurate, however, UK still practices this. don't worry! if you feel you are not growing, then definitely do an ultrasound.

Hi CalaLilly, very pleased you got checked out and they are keeping an eye on you. I hope you can keep cooking for a while yet but of course your baby would most likely be fine even if early as you are over 32 weeks. Hope to hear good news!

Hi CalaLilly, very pleased you got checked out and they are keeping an eye on you. I hope you can keep cooking for a while yet but of course your baby would most likely be fine even if early as you are over 32 weeks. Hope to hear good news!

Whoops how did I do that??

Thanks again weirdly enough, I admitted a baby to the SCBU where I work yesterday with my baby's due date and she seemed an ok size to me (nearly 4lb) and was doing well so I'm well aware of the benefits of getting to 32 weeks gestation!

I'm still confused as to why the midwife didn't refer me for a scan on the first day because she quoted their policy of referring when the gap is 3cm or more and my gap was 4cm. The quip about different people measuring it is a bit weird as she should surely have got a second opinion if she doubted her own measurement. I wouldn't want to complain though because she was brilliant when I went back the next day, and though she didn't say sorry for overlooking it previously, she did respond thoroughly and with apparant remorse.

It does seem weird that UK midwives still go by a crude indicator but if they use it as a crude indicator for scan referral for proper investigation then that is fair enough (though my BMI was 24 before pregnancy, not anywhere near 19!). It's not fair enough to measure and then do nothing! It's normal to have bump worry when you're pregnant but I'm really grateful I didn't shake off mine as paranoia and would urge other women to speak up and shout out!