Measuring fundal height.

[pantspantspants]

I am 22 weeks pregnant with DC3, with a small bump. Im 5 foot 6 and an average size 12.

With DD1 and 2 I was small but I was alot fitter and always measured ok for dates. I have always struggled with fluid round the baby although this has never caused a problem and never monitored ( only noticed when breaking waters while in labour).

But as this is my 3rd, I was seen at 16 weeks and babys heart was checked but not fundal height even though the midwife commented how small I was for a third baby. I am not due to be seen by her until 28 weeks! so my fundal height won't be checked until then.

At my scan baby was fine although she mentioned this one would be smaller than my DDs (7 pounds 11oz and 8 pounds 9oz)

I've just had a quick go as bump is only just level with the bottom of my belly button still. As I measure it Im only 17/18cm.

Is this a normal difference?
how big of a difference do they allow before further checks?

Around here they only start measuring from 24 weeks if its your first 28 weeks if its a 2nd/3rd etc. However from what Ive read on here not ever trust do the Fundal height measurments.

If your unhappy speak to your midwife, and let her know your concerns

FH measuring is difficult to get right even when you are atrained MW. I was measured twice in 3 days at the beginning of last week and each MW came up with a different measurement, putting me 2 weeks apart growth wise and I am 40 weeks so you would think that there would be less room for mistakes!

Alot depends on the lie of the baby, your build, your body fat ratio, the amount of water you are carrying, whether the baby is having a stretch or a snuggle, all sorts! They dont measure til 28 weeks here either, so I really wouldnt worry too much at this stage, and unless there is a massive difference in the first measurement versus weeks pg, they will most likely monitor your measurements over a couple or three visits and then order a growth scan if there is still a discrepancy.

Fundal height is just a rule-of thumb... if they say that your baby is fine apartfrom that then I wouldn't worry :)