Fundal height

[aromamama]

I am wondering how to properly check fundal height. Any suggestions on how to do this properly would be great. I understand top of pubic bone to top of fundus, but do you press in at the top of fundus? If so, how much?

Sorry if this is trivial or been asked a bazillion times before

thank you!!

[katelove]

I'm sure different people will have different technniques but this is what I do.

First I find the top edge of the pubic bone and put the end of the tape measure on it, holding it in place with my right hand. With my left hand I then smooth the tape measure up, over the belly, running my hand over the uterus until it starts to dip down over the fundus. Then I feel a bit more firmly to identify where the fundus actually is and, once I have a clear picture I position the tape measure and press down with the edge of my left hand so the tape is sitting on top of the fundus not just on top of the skin IYKWIM. How firmly to press depends on how much tissue there is between suface and fundus. I guess I press until I can feel the slight resistance of the uterus.

It probably doesn't matter too much though as trends are more important than individual figures so, if you use the same technique all the time, then you will be able to identify growth.

[aromamama]

Thanks. That is pretty much what I have been doing. I wanted to check to see if I was doing it right.

How much faith do you all put into the numbers? I am 23 weeks and measuring between 28 and 30 weeks depending on position of the baby.....

thanks again!!

[1babysmom]

Originally Posted by aromamama

Thanks. That is pretty much what I have been doing. I wanted to check to see if I was doing it right.

How much faith do you all put into the numbers? I am 23 weeks and measuring between 28 and 30 weeks depending on position of the baby.....

thanks again!!

I don't put much stock in them unless there is a HUGE discrepancy (like maybe more than 4-6 weeks since that would be really uncommon for *me*). But I do just watch for any really noticeable changes.