Fundal height / percentile

[pennyw85]

I'm 38 weeks so starting to pay more attention to my maternity notes (probably should have sooner...)

My fundal height has always been 1 more than number of weeks (29 at 28 weeks, 34 at 33 weeks) which I always took to be quite normal. But looking at how they've plotted this on my graph it's above 95th percentile. Should I be worried about a giant baby?? If you follow the line it goes to 9.3lb at 40w and 10.1lb at 42w.

DD1 was 8lb 1, born at 42w. I'm 5ft 3 and size 12-14 pre pregnancy so not small and not big either. Midwife has mentioned no concerns and never been referred for growth scan etc. Next appointment tomorrow!

In my first pregnancy I measured on the 90th percentile the whole time, I was worried but midwives didn't seem concerned as long as it followed the general curve. She was born weighing on the 73rd percentile at 8lb 4 which to me was big enough. They haven't started measuring this time (only at 25 weeks) but I'm huge, dread to think where it'll be on the graph.

Hi Penny I'm in a similar situation to you, except the MWs did send me for growth scans. The baby IS on 95th centile on my personal chart - I'm also 5'3" with a previous 8lb 1oz kiddo.

I had a consultant appt today to see if I was allowed to use the birth centre, he was totally unfazed about baby's size. MWs were going on about induction at 38 weeks being probable but he just suggested having a sweep at 39 weeks instead of 40.

I had a read of this Cochrane review on induction for big babies. HTH

Fundal height is too subjective to be an accurate predictor of baby's size in my experience. Today I measured 26 weeks at 23 weeks and they weren't concerned. Initially she said 28weeks!!

I measured very similar to you OP with DD. She was my first and was born two weeks overdue at 8lb 15oz (and we are both over 6ft and slightly over weight). I think my chart also said similar that the baby was likely to be absolutely gigantic. What’s left of my pelvic floor is very grateful that that wasn’t the case. As others said it is very subjective but if you are at all concerned just mention it at your next appt.

I measured small with my DS, I was even referred for 2 growth scans. He was born at exactly 41 weeks weighing 7lbs14, so not small at all! Not sure how much they can tell really. I wouldn't worry...

I've measured 2 weeks ahead the entire pregnancy and on the 95th percentile. I had a growth scan last week and she's actually bang on the 50th percentile, so it just shows how inaccurate the measurements can be - my midwife did tell me this a few times throughout the pregnancy as well but they just do the best they can.

I do have some excess belly fat at the bottom so it's likely that that contributes to the additional measurements.

As I understand it the main thing they are checking is that it stays consistent as that means baby is growing consistently. If it gets suddenly bigger that can indicate too much fluid, suddenly smaller can indicate baby isn't growing properly. As PPs have said, it's not a very good indicator of the actual size of your baby.

I wouldn't worry if you haven't been referred for a scan. Its so unreliable. Midwife and sonographers all said they are unsure why they bother doing it anymore but its just a rough guide to see if you need a scan. I was always measuring 4 weeks ahead, on my growth scans he was fairly normal just had a big tummy due to GD. He was on the 50th according to scans.

Thanks for all the replies! Measured +1 again this morning and midwife said she's happy as it's consistent and I shouldn't worry about a giant baby. Fingers crossed she's right 😂