Fundal measurement for what reason and is it accurate?

Question

Hi ladies, this is my first pregnancy and I’m almost 30 weeks. At the last appointment (29 weeks) the doctor measured my stomach for the first time. She said I measure right on track. 
Can someone please explain the reason for the measurement and if it’s accurate? I’m sure it’s important if the doctor does it. I’m just looking to understand more about it.

Answer

My OB doesn’t do them. The amount of amniotic fluid you have can greatly change your belly’s size. It’s not wildly accurate. But some OBs do them because that’s just what they do.

Answer

My midwife did it and I measured two weeks ahead but she said the fluid and the way the baby was positioned could have a lot to do with it so I honestly am not sure why they do it if it’s not totally accurate 🤷🏻‍♀️

Answer

They’re not always accurate. Both my pregnancies my fundal height has measured small, so we had extra growth scans with both just to make sure it truly wasn’t as issue. I’m just a small person and make small babies 🤷🏻‍♀️ also the way my uterus is shaped, my kids always sit on my right side, which makes my uterus seem shorter.

Answer

My OB does it.  I think you’re supposed to measure your weeks in inches (+/- one or two inches) to be considered on track.  It can’t be an accurate science.  Only a growth scan will be able to give you a better idea.  And even those are estimates.

Answer

I think it’s just a less invasive and time consuming way to measure the baby’s size than a sonogram. It’s obviously just a predictor and isn’t perfect. I was always measuring 1-2 weeks behind with my son, but he was measuring in the 97th percentile at 36 weeks via sonogram. He was born at 39 weeks exactly at 8lbs 10oz.

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I don’t know much about it, but I do know that my measurements being off was the reason we caught my medical condition and were safely able to induce me to keep babe safe & healthy & me from needing a c section 😅

Answer

It’s just a guild I had a big belly before hand so I can’t see it fitting in with any chart now  I have growth scans at 28,32 and 36 weeks. Just had my 28 week one and she’s a tad on the large side but not out of the ordinary.

Answer

My OB does it to make sure baby is still growing.

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It's to see if your belly is as big as the weeks you are, at 30 weeks my ob checked mines and it showed I was a tad bigger than 30 weeks got an ultrasound done two weeks after when I got it done it showed i was on track I was than 32 weeks and in the ultrasound baby was measuring 32 weeks they do it, to see if ur bigger or smaller than your weeks.if they see something off they will send u for a ultrasound.

Answer

Thanks for the answers ladies. I guess it’s used as a guide to see if more test or scans are needed. I suppose if you measure ok then the doctor won’t do any other tests.