Measuring bump with a tape measure

[PerfectlyPosed]

Isn't it time they did away with this unreliable method?!

Two weeks ago my midwife used a tape measure to check the size of my bump and said that it was measuring up to three weeks small. Previously it had been big so she referred me for a growth scan to double check it.

The growth scan was carried out (I was 37 weeks) and it was revealed that the baby was in an awkward position which would explain the difficulty in measuring the bump. They also determined that, if anything, there was more fluid than there should be and I got referred to the diabetes team. I had already had the usual check for Gestational Diabetes at 28 weeks which had come back completely clear.

I am now having to prick my finger and check my blood four times a day, watch what I eat (which is difficult when full of cold and all I want is carbs and cake) and traipse back and forth from the hospital for check ups. The appointments all seem to coincide with hospital visiting times too so it is impossible to park and I end up having to park at the local supermarket which is a 10 minute walk away.

I am so fed up and just want to relax having only just finished work and think this would all have been avoided if my midwife hadn't used a tape measure, which she admits isn't an accurate measurement!

Hi OP,

The tape measure does seem old fashioned and a bit weird but it just means we can see a trend in baby’s growth. They should follow the same line on the graph that is personalised for you. It means that baby’s that are very small and at risk of stillbirth can be picked up and sent for scans as well as baby’s that are large where mum might have GDM. Unfortunately tape measures or scans aren’t 100% accurate though!

It's bollocks. Mine have never been close to accurate. I measured big throughout with my first and she was 4lbs 13.

But @naichick it's so unreliable. My pattern has obviously gone off course but baby has been sitting low since day one so would be impossible to measure accurately. I'm just so miserable and feel like all this is such a waste of time and could have been avoided.

But it wasn’t a waste of time? The scan identified that you had more fluid than there should be (polyhydramnios), and are now monitoring you and your baby more closely to make sure you’re both healthy. Surely you can see that this is a positive thing? Imagine if they hadn’t been so diligent and missed something...
I’m sorry you are fed up. At 39(?) weeks you don’t have much longer to wait.

I know it's not really a waste of time. It's just if I hadn't have had that situation with the midwife, whatever this is wouldn't have been flagged up and I wouldn't be having to do all this so late on in pregnancy. All of my blood test results have been below the recommended reading by the way.

You’re “having to do all this” to make sure your baby is safe. Surely it’s better to “do all this” than the alternative?!

I think you’re not seeing it clearly through your frustration and hormones. Try to rest when you can. It won’t be long until baby’s in your arms and this will all be over.

Yes my judgement probably is being clouded by my hormones. I worked to 38 weeks and wanted to spend the next week or so relaxing and spending time with DD before baby comes. I just hate it when things don't go to plan. I know they are doing it for a reason but surely if baby was in any danger they could just induce me?

But the point is that they don’t know if the baby is in any danger without the checks, do they?

I’m confused - have you now been diagnosed as having GD or not? Am assuming you have if you’ve now got to finger prick and test your blood 4 times s day.

So the tape measure method led to you bring diagnosed as having extra fluid and GD and you getting extra monitoring as a result. Not really a waste of time then?

No, I haven't been diagnosed with GD. Just been told to keep monitoring my bloods.

Yes its unreliable but it picks up problems and frankly its all community midwives have to assess the growth of the baby and it IS helpful in making Midwife’s have some reference so that women can be referred for a growth scan. I’m sorry you’re having a tough time but there are risks to you and baby if you have developed GDM. Hope baby comes soon!

You don’t “have” to do it if you don’t want to: you can decline the tape measuring, the blood tests, the clinic visits - any or all of it if you want. The midwife can explain the risks and benefits and you can decide yourself what is right for you.

Thank you all. I know you're all right, I'm just so tired of it all. It feels like the longest pregnancy ever and I just want it all to be over. I spoke to my midwife today and we're going to speak after my diabetes consultation on Thursday and come up with a plan. The end is in sight and I just need to remind myself of that.