Measuring bigger than expected at 34 weeks

[kittenpeak]

Had my 34 week appointment today and measuring nearly 37cm which is “off the Chart”. When I initially learned about these in at previous appointments I was told that if you measure too big or small they take action.

I was told today they would wait and see how I measured next time - my next appt is in 2.5 weeks. The midwife actually said “as other people did the measurements, we could have all been doing it differently” which didn’t fill me with much confidence!

Has anyone else measured ahead at this time? What happened next with you? (It was just the measuring tape, I didn’t actually have a scan).

I think they need a scan to confirm really. You will probably be offered induction at 37 week mark if too big.

I measured big from around 28 weeks onwards. I think they said I had to measure large on 2 separate occasions before any further action would be taken. I did and so had growth scans for the rest of my pregnancy. I was then offered induction at 39 weeks. Unfortunately this failed so I ended up with a planned c-section.

I've been measuring 2cm bigger than expected at each appointment since 26 weeks. Midwife said there is an allowance for this and it's not concerning, I had a growth scan and placenta location scan at 32 weeks and everything was fine, just got a slightly bigger bump.

I wouldn't worry too much about measuring ahead on fundal height, they can be way off.
I was always a couple of weeks ahead on fundal with our 1st, she was an average 7lb 7oz.
Our 2nd my fundal height was ahead but they didn't seem worried. I was given a growth scan at 28 weeks (part of a research programmme) and he was measuring 4 weeks ahead on that. He came out 10lb 12oz.
All after our 2nd have been well above average too.

Thanks for the replies! I guess as I’m at 34 weeks already I wondered if they should do scans now, but I’ll wait until my next appointment at 36+5 to see what’s what!

I had this - one off the chart measurement when I had a different midwife doing it. Sent for a growth scan and all was fine and on track. Try not to worry, most of the time it’s just a precaution (and a lovely opportunity to see baby again)

I'm 34 weeks and measured 1cm more than I was "meant to" yesterday (measuring tape for fundal heigh) and on my way for a growth scan this afternoon as a result!

Same midwife did both my 28 week and 34 week fundal measurements. She mentioned it was just hospital policy to refer me as I was just under the 50th centile last time and now just above it, so no real cause for concern.

Throughout pregnancy I've been amazed at how different each hospital's policies are for patients.

Fundal and scan measurements are known for their inaccuracies but I agree with @jamie980 and especially nice having the chance to see baby again!

Hopefully everything will be ok for you! If you are concerned you could always call up the midwife and ask for another opinion / mention your concerns. If you do end up having a scan, it also is nice to know that you get a little additional check to see everything is ok in there :)

Hope all goes well with your scan @cervixissues!

Thanks @jamie980 ! All was well as expected but nice to have the reassurance! Let us know how you get on - hopefully all is welll :)

I measured big, by two centimeters, can't remember how long for but my midwife was so laid back about it. Saw a different midwife for an appointment who then requested a growth scan. Sonographer confirmed I was cooking a larger baby around the nine pound mark but as baby was fully developed it was difficult to be precise as there was barely any room in my womb to see much.
I ended up having a 10.8 baby, much to the midwives surprise! But, he was so chilled and content in all his extra layers. He's now two and a half and is not over weight, he is of stocky build and tall like his dad but nothing that would cause concern.
Wishing you the best of luck.

I'm 33 weeks and measuring on about the 90th centile for bump size when the midwife does it, but I've been having regular growth scans (due to first born being small for gestational age) and the scans put baby on about the 25th centile! Theres no extra fluid or anything that would explain why I measure large, I just seem to have big bumps. I had a big bump with my first too and he was on the 7th centile when born. I really don't think the midwife measurements are that accurate but I guess it's more about making sure that the baby is growing in a consistent way. I'm sure they will send you for a scan if they are concerned.

Hi @JemNo66 yeah it does seem midwifes measurements can often be out. I just can’t understand why they wouldn’t refer me for a scan just incase! I emailed them over the weekend - let’s see what they say!