Swollen feet during pregnancy is very common, but that doesn't mean you have to be uncomfortable. We'll cover some effective ways to deal with the…. A new study finds that epidurals do not affect child development in their later years.
A fetal arrhythmia is an irregular heart rate — too fast, too slow, or otherwise outside the norm. It's often benign.
Postpartum diarrhea after a C-section is normal. Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. What is fundal height? How is fundal height measured? Fundal height, also known as McDonald's Rule, is a measurement of the size of the uterus during pregnancy.
It is measured in centimeters as the distance from the top of the pubic bone specifically, a joint called symphysis pubic to the top of the uterus called fundus.
As such, it is properly called a symphysis pubis fundal height SFH. Starting at the second trimester , fundal height measurement is typically recorded at most prenatal visits for the following purposes:.
As the pregnancy progresses, the uterus expands in the abdomen with its top moving up by about 4 centimeters per month , an equivalent of two finger-widths. After the 20th week and until the 36th week of pregnancy, the fundal height measurement usually matches the number of weeks of pregnancy. This means that for a woman at the 26th week of pregnancy, the fundal height measurement should be about 26 cm give or take 2 cm. Across various pregnancy stages, fundal height measurement landmarks are expected to be as follows:.
Fundal height measurement should be taken on an empty bladder with a woman lying flat on her back with a pillow under the head and shoulders.
Care should be taken so that the mother does not become hypotensive in such position. There are two methods of measuring fundal height, by using a measuring tape or by hand:. Using a measurement tape to estimate fundal height is the most accurate method of the two.
So, if you are 30 weeks, your fundal height measurement should be somewhere between 29 and 31 centimeters. I often call this measurement a "poor man's ultrasound. If a measurement is bigger, or like in your case, smaller than expected, an ultrasound in warranted. If your doctor said that your belly was measuring too small, he or she should have recommended an ultrasound to more accurately assess the size of your baby. If you haven't been offered one, you should talk to your doctor.
Is my belly size too small? At this point, if your fundal height measurement was abnormal, you'll probably discuss the possibility of additional tests. If your fundal height measurement is abnormal, schedule a follow-up. If your measurements do not fall within the normal parameters for your projected due date, this is not always a reason to worry. However, your doctor will probably want you to follow up with a sonogram in order to find out why your measurement was outside of the normal range of values.
This can be for a variety of reasons - some completely harmless, others that are cause for concern but by no means catastrophic. Below are many of the causes for an abnormal fundal height: [6] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source Being especially tall and thin or short and heavy Having a full bladder Having twins, triplets, etc.
Abnormally slow or rapid fetal growth Too little or too much amniotic fluid Uterine fibroids Having a child that has settled into breech or another unusual uterine position. Method 2. Empty your bladder and remove your clothing. It's not difficult at all to measure your fundal height on your own. To begin, empty your bladder and shed your clothing as you would in preparation for a fundal height measurement at the doctor's office.
If you'd like, you may choose to put on a loose gown or similar garment like an over-sized tee shirt to simulate a hospital gown. Because most laypeople aren't medically trained in the procedure of measuring fundal heights and because, as noted above, an abnormal fundal height can have a wide variety of causes, it's important to remember not to make any medical decisions based on the results of a self-performed fundal height test. If you obtain an abnormal result, follow up with a trained doctor, nurse, or midwife for confirmation.
Grab a measuring tape. Soft, flexible sewing-style measuring tools work best, as they can conform to the curve of your stomach for a more accurate measurement.
However, in a pinch, a ruler or even your fingers can work as a measuring tool. Lay on your back. Hard surfaces like the floor work best - soft surfaces like some mattresses can allow your posture to "sink" into the surface somewhat. If desired, feel free to place a pillow under your head. Find your pubic bone. The symphysis pubis pubic bone is a small, ridge-like bone on the front of the body just above the pubic area. Feel for the top of the pubic bone just below the bottom of your stomach - usually, this is near the top of where your pubic hair naturally extends.
The pubic bone is often covered by a layer of subcutaneous fat which can make it somewhat tricky to find - you may need to press gently into your skin with your fingers to feel it. Find your fundus. Next, find your fundus the "top" of your uterus by feeling near your belly button. Relax your stomach muscles as you gently massage the area above and below your belly button. Feel for a vague "ridge" beneath the skin - this is your fundus.
Generally, before the 20th week of pregnancy, the fundus will be below the belly button, while after the 20th week, it will be above it. Measure from your pubic bone to your fundus. When you've found both your pubic bone and your fundus, it's time to measure. Hold the "0" end of your tape measure against the top of your pubic bone and carefully stretch it across your pubis, up and over the curve of your stomach, and to your fundus. Record this measurement in cm.
Generally, fundal heights should be within cm of the baby's gestational age in weeks. For example, a 20 week-old pregnancy should have a fundal height of about cm.
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