Very low height of fundus :(

[Levanna]

At my ante natal appt yesterday, the midwife measured my fundus at 25 cm, but I'm 30 weeks. At my last appt two weeks ago, it was estimated by hand (rather than measured) at 28.
I had this when pg with my DD, but that was because she had engaged by 3/5 at this stage (had a scan and whatnot that time). But this little DD isn't engaged, so what through others experience could be the cause? I am getting myself into a bit of a tizz, though I know it's probably unnecesary! I do carry quite 'low' to look at, to the point that loads of people comment on the shape of my bump.

Aw Levanna, I don't know the answer, wish I could help. If the midwife was not concerned maybe it's ok though? Hope you are ok.

like Beansprout said if the midwife wasn't concerned then I'm sure there is nothing to worry about.

I remember someone telling me while I was pregnant that measuring the bump wasn't very reliable and a lot of midwives don't do it anymore anyway. I was only measured about 3 times during my pregnancy.

I'm sure there is nothing to worry about but hopefully mears or someone else qualified on mumsnet will be able to put your mind at rest.

Levanna, Try not to worry as there are many possible explanations and as beansprout and Linnet have both already pointed out if the midwife was not concerned then your needn't be either.
Has anyone ever mentionned that your uterus is tipped back or retroverted (usually discovered after a scan)? I have always measured small for dates and listened to many people question how far along I am because I seem far too small to be 'that pregnant'. Thankfully, all three of our children were a healthy birth-weight.
I never like it when the midwives measure my fundus as it tends to start the discussion going again and having been there three times before it does get old. The other thing is that everyone measures slightly differently so it is a bit subjective. A healthy layer of maternal fat can add a cm or two so maybe I will not measure small for dates this time at all!!

Levanna - maybe your baby is in a bit of a funny position atm - sideways/diagonal so that is causing the fundus to be a bit on the small side. If you are really worried you could try asking for a scan

Hi Lavenna, I had this too with my dd at one of my later antal appts, my fundus was lower than expected. I had to get another scan just to check that she was okay, it was a horrid two weeks waiting for the scan, I worried terribly but it turned out everything was fine. She was a wee baby when she was born (6lbs 8oz) but absolutely fine. She is now a year and over the weight and height she should be so I would say not to worry, some midwifes seem not to do this measurement while others do. I was told later it isn't really a realible indication.

Incidentally a friend of mine was also recently told that she was too 'small' but has now been checked again and everything is fine.

Hi my fundus also measured 3 weeks smaller throughout the whole pregnancy and I was quite worried. The midwife assured me that there was no problems but that I would probably only have a 6lb baby. I went on to have a 7lb 7ozs baby, so just goes to show that they arent always right and it depends how you carry and how the baby lies.

Thanks for your replies! I had a chat with another midwife today whilst at hospital for another reason, she was really quite reassuring. She said that though I felt small, she had felt much smaller (and healthy!) babies at this stage, and wouldn't have any concerns. She also said as some of you have that measuring by hand is often more accurate as baby's position can be taken into consideration and that everyone uses a tape measure differently. She did say that if there are any concerns at my ante natal next week, just pop back for a scan to check.
Thanks again for reassuring me, I wasn't well enough to reply since, but I did have a quick look in, and you have helped put my mind at ease.