Fundal height only grown .5cm in 3 weeks, 2 episodes of decreased movement

[loeylo]

... Anyone with any experience if the above?

My first episode of decreased movement was at 25+2, all the hospital did was checked for a heartbeat which they heard at 142bpm and sent me home.

My second episode was at 28+2 as referred by my midwife, they hooked me up to the monitors for 2.5 hours. They had told me that if they got a good period if movement I would be off in 20 mins, but it took ages to get good readings on the machine so they referred me to a consultant.

In terms of fundal height, I measured 23cm at 22 weeks, and 29cm at 28 weeks. At today's appointment (31 weeks) I measured 29.5cm.

I know it is still within the 3cm range but to go from consistently measuring +1 week to measuring -2 within the space of three weeks is freaking me out.

What is the likely outcome of all this? I'm worrying about placental issues or something, especially given my history.

 

[amelia26]

Fundal measurements are very inaccurate and you've only had one lower one. Based on that one measurement, I wouldn't be concerned. My measurements this time have varied from 1 week behind to 3 weeks ahead but growth scans (which I have been having for other reasons) show very consistent growth.


Obviously if you have any further decreased movements, don't hesitate to go back.

 

[loeylo]

My midwife has suggested I might need a growth scan, I have to see a consultant tomorrow who will decide a course of action. I'm just panicking due to my history I guess.

 

[amelia26]

That's completely natural. I just remembered I did have a few weeks around the gestation where my fundal measurement didn't really increase. And now I'm 3 weeks ahead on fundal height! (And spot on average on growth scans).

 

[loeylo]

Here's hoping I get some good news then!

It's so stressful as I start a new job on Friday, try are already annoyed that I'm pregnant so leaving in 6 weeks and now it looks as though I will need to take even more time off work than I had thought!

 

[LoraLoo]

I measured 6 weeks behind at one point, as pp has said its not always that accurate (although my baby was small)
However the fact that you've had 2 episodes of decreased movement, I'd really be pushing for a growth and doppler scan.

 

[loeylo]

Thanks, that's what I want to happen if I am honest. I know that I should trust my mummy instinct but my instinct is always to fear the worst. I need to learn to differentiate between excessive worry and normal worry!

It isn't that my fundal height is small which worries me - it is more that it went from +1 to -1.5 in just 3 weeks, during which time her movement also changed, if that makes sense.

This was only the second appt my partner couldn't come to and he can't get time off for tomorrow either (he was off for a dermatologist appointment today and is off later in the week for antenatal classes) so I will be going alone, which sucks!

 

[LoraLoo]

It is hard going on your own sometimes especially when you need the support. I find it hard to be pushy but sometimes you really need to. These people are being paid to care for you and your baby, make sure you're concerns are heard.
I know how worrying it is, I started at 1cm behind, and it increased each week. These babies are sent to test is I think!
Please update is how it goes

 

[loeylo]

I will do! It's strange because people commented early on about how big I was and now they are commenting on my little neat bump, I just want a bloody normal bump!

I will do, consultant it early tomorrow morning. I might have a friend who can take me which would be better than alone, but I would still rather my oh. He has holidays booked for after she arrives so he could take a holiday but I doubt the consultant will do anything other than just refer me elsewhere since it is just in the clinic and not hospital.

Are you still measuring behind?

 

[Sb86]

I had a growth scan at 29 weeks after my fundal height measured a little under what was expected. Growth scan showed she was absolutely fine and measuring perfect. I knew she was ok, I think I measured smaller than expected because she was back to back and my tummy felt all soft (plus the lady was a student who measured me, so possibly could have measured incorrect)

I'm 35 weeks now and pretty much on track. I also think fundal measurements can be pretty inaccurate

 

[2have4kids]

I like what the pp's all had to say, totally agree with consulting with your providers at any sign of decreased movement. That's one thing the mw told me not to be shy about contacting them for and tried to train me well to notice any decreased movement. My OB also said that since I'm over 40 in Sept statistically there are more babies that don't make it the longer you go so they want me to have baby between 39-40 weeks, sounds worrisome but I'm just pleased they're keeping a close eye on me being over the hill I know everything will be ok but I think that's really important information to help me understand their motivations & concerns.

 

[LoraLoo]

I will do! It's strange because people commented early on about how big I was and now they are commenting on my little neat bump, I just want a bloody normal bump!

I will do, consultant it early tomorrow morning. I might have a friend who can take me which would be better than alone, but I would still rather my oh. He has holidays booked for after she arrives so he could take a holiday but I doubt the consultant will do anything other than just refer me elsewhere since it is just in the clinic and not hospital.

Are you still measuring behind?

It was my previous baby I measured behind with. She never did 'catch up' but she was born healthy just on the smaller side 😊

 

[loeylo]

An update for those wanting one - I'm on my way to the hospital for another trace and I have been referred for a scan to check fluid levels, blood flow and growth. Depending how the trace goes today they may pull my scan forward to today also. I have to go on Friday to see my own consultant too. Slightly stressed as it all seems urgent!

 

[bathbabe]

Fundal height is such an unreliable way for checking babys growth - I really really wouldnt worry about it.
As for your decreased movement... keep an eye on it and always report it to your midwife asap x

 

[LoraLoo]

Update is how it went. I'm glad they are keeping an eye on it, much better than it going ignored.

 

[3liz]

My fundal height has always been behind.
At my 35 weeks appt it was only 28 cm but the same day on growth scan my baby girl was measuring 2 to 3 weeks ahead!

I am small and have a small torso, I don't even think I can have a fundal height higher than 31-32 cm lol

 

[loeylo]

Well I ended up nearly admitted there! Baby is perfectly fine - actually measuring above the 50th centile but with quite short legs, not a concern as they are within range and both me and my oh are short! Estimated weight currently is 4lb2oz, fluid level and blood flow all ok and her heart trace was good.

My heart on te other hand was horrific. My pulse was in the 140s so I ended up with an ECG which luckily was normal. I put it down to all the stress as I just measured it myself now that I'm home and it is 90 odd. My ECG was fine (although it does say something about a heart murmur!) and they want me to go back and be reevaluated in a week. I'm sure it was just anxiety as my midwife took it yesterday and it was okay!

 

[LoraLoo]

I'm so glad. The reassurance all is ok is important. What s fab weight 😊