1st Bump measurement

[Hollycharlton]

Hi
I am 24 weeks pregnant with my first child. I went to the midwife for my first bump measurement & I'm measuring a little big 😩 I'm only 5ft 2 & worried I could be carrying a huge baby which will lead to complications. Any advice or reassurance?

Don't worry! First bump measurement is never very accurate and they get a bit more realistic as time goes on. It might even say under the chart something like 'if 1st measurement is over 90th centile or below 10th centile this is no cause for concern and monitoring is not necessary' - mine does. Even later on bump measurements are not accurate! I got told baby was on 90th centile then dropped rapidly to 10th, panicked thinking she was sick or something and then went for a growth scan - she's right in the middle of average and around 7lbs just before she's due to arrive. Don't worry! Xx

Aw ok thank you x

Bump measurements and even growth scans are notoriously inaccurate. I would take it with a massive pinch of salt- especially at this early stage (but even when you're further along). Try not to worry. Not like worrying will be of any help anyway (I have my own pregnancy concerns and telling myself this is helping me to stay calm!)

I'm just feeling really miserable & uncomfortable. I have lots of pressure under my ribs all the time, surely it's a bit early for this to be babies limbs in my ribs?

Where I live they won't measure you before 28 weeks. I had my first measurement a couple of weeks ago, measured three weeks behind (below the 5th centipede) so was sent straight away for a growth scan where baby promptly measured bang on the 50th centile, so I really wouldn't worry about the measurements the midwives do with the tape measure. Even they will tell you it's an inaccurate method!

Your rib cage is expanding all the time, so you might not be feeling actual baby, just the pressure from your body changing, etc. Try not to worry xx

I'm petite as well and DD shocked everyone when she came out over 8lbs. I just make big babies - I'm only 25 weeks this time around but look huge already!