Midwife hasn't measured fundal height?

[MeowPurr32]

Where I live (Germany) they don't measure fundal height at all, but they do regular ultrasounds and take measurements with those. The glucose tolerance test is not standard, either. They only advise it if you have a reason to take it (like family history of diabetes or a baby measuring large). I bet they give you your urine sample back so you can dispose of it. It's very expensive for them to dispose of medical waste. I wouldn't reuse the containers personally, because I'd worry about contamination affecting future results. Next appointment, you could ask her about measuring the fundal height?

 

[fizzypop]

Thanks ladies! I will just ask her next time. I was confused because I was given a fundal height chart at 20 weeks and it's never been used. I am told I'm really very big for 28 weeks (apparently I look full term) so I have concerns. Plus diabetes runs in my family (even the dog lol!) So I thought I'd get a GTT test.

Thanks again, its good to know there's somewhere I can ask questions xxx

 

[fairykate]

She gives you your urine samples back? So weird!! I would find another midwife!!

Lol - you can't really just 'find' another MW in the UK. You kinda just have the one you're given due to the system over here. You can request a change if you don't get on with the one you're given but most of them give the sample back.

 

[fairykate]

Thanks ladies! I will just ask her next time. I was confused because I was given a fundal height chart at 20 weeks and it's never been used. I am told I'm really very big for 28 weeks (apparently I look full term) so I have concerns. Plus diabetes runs in my family (even the dog lol!) So I thought I'd get a GTT test.

Thanks again, its good to know there's somewhere I can ask questions xxx

You should be having a GTT test if you have a family history hun. Maybe the letter just got lost in the post? Have you tried calling her about this?

 

[xxsteffyxx]

Why is it such a bad thing giving the samples back?

I hand my sample to the lady, she checks the urine sample, all clear and then hands me the bottle back. I take the bottle home, empty it and then put it in the bin. I wouldn't class that as a lazy midwife or bad or any such thing... it's just their procedure. It's not like they are missing anything? They are still doing their checks.

The reason it took so long to do my FHM is because as my previous surgery before I moved, the midwives were never there! they kept having new ladies in trying to cover because the midwife who was supposed to be there was ill-on holiday - jury duty... the whole time I was part of that surgery (up to 30 weeks) I never met the midwife there lol!

 

[Stormynights]

My midwife would usually just feel my fundal height, but at my last appointment around 32 weeks, she measured for the first time.

 

[bettny]

i wouldnt worry its a load of crap anyway
ive been measured twice
once at 33weeks and measured 28 and she sent me for a scan when i was 33weeks and so say 5weeks behind and baby was spot on perfect.

last midwife appointment at 35weeks she measured me at 30weeks and sent me for another scan -_-
see its a load and just makes u worry for no reason. if the baby measured 33weeks by scan not a bit of tape then u would think they wouldnt bother sending me for another one. (well couldnt have it anyway it had only been 10days since my last one so they just checked water and placenta both fine)

if u measured say 28weeks at 33week then measured 28weeks AGAIN at 35weeks i can understand but really it makes no sense to me. first midwife told me to bring my knees up a bit second one didnt.

i think they are more trouble than they are worth BUT ask ur midwife about it if u wanna see how far u measure!

PS- the midwife thing- ive never seen the same midwife twice (seen 9diff ones)

 

[TheLocation]

Fundal height measuring?
Never even heard of that being done before coming on this forum.
My OB feels my fundus and I get an ultrasound every visit.

 

[fizzypop]

Thanks ladies! I will just ask her next time. I was confused because I was given a fundal height chart at 20 weeks and it's never been used. I am told I'm really very big for 28 weeks (apparently I look full term) so I have concerns. Plus diabetes runs in my family (even the dog lol!) So I thought I'd get a GTT test.

Thanks again, its good to know there's somewhere I can ask questions xxx

You should be having a GTT test if you have a family history hun. Maybe the letter just got lost in the post? Have you tried calling her about this?

I've seen her twice and asked about it and she just says 'ok, I will refer you' but doesn't. The family history and the fact that my bump is so big makes me wonder.. Maybe I will just go to my GP, he seemed more concerned about it.

 

[ChocolateKate]

Please do ask, especially if you're worried. Midwives should be doing fundal heigh measurements BUT a word of warning: it isn't accurate (they do it with a tape measure!) I was always on track, told I would have a good sized baby and when i delivered at 39+1 my daughter was 5 lb 10. I then got really annoyed with EVERY doctor, midwife and health visitor who asked, 'but didn't you know you were having a tiny baby?' No, because I wasn't scanned which is much more accurate. So, please don't get hung up on fundal height measurements but do make sure your midwife is giving you all the support you need and deserve. X