Do I understand fundal height correctly?

[texasfarmom]

Should the fundal height measure the same, or close to, the week of pregnancy you are in? Example: If you are 38 weeks pregnant a "normal" fundal height would be 38 cm.

If I understood my OB correctly today, he doesn't worry too much about fundal height until you are +/- more than 4 cm from were you should be. I am 38 weeks today and measuring 35 cm, so a little small. He said he couldn't be sure there wasn't anything wrong though unless I did a sonogram. I already told him I didn't want another one, but he said next week if I still looked a bit small he may ask me to do one.

[CherryBomb]

Well, my only experience with a small fundal height was not a good one (it was small for a very serious reason), so if it were me, I'd get the u/s because of my past history. But more than likely everything is fine

[megviolet]

Yes you're understanding is right. I think that CP are usually more concerned if you've been measuring right on and then there's change. 3cm shouldn't count for anything though, it could have even been from the position of the baby. Do you trust his measuring skills? Maybe you should do it yourself to make sure
Good luck either way- we must be due around the same time, i'm almost 38wks too!

[HeatherB]

Yes, it's not a reliable indicator of anything. If you have the same person measuring each time, it'll be somewhat more reliable. Still, it only shows how much you've grown over time. If you were measuring 35cm 3 weeks ago and are still measuring 35cm, then I'd be concerned. If, however, you were measuring 37cm last week and are now measuring 35cm, I'd say baby probably dropped. If you were 34cm last week and 35cm this week, I'd say everything's totally fine.

Really, it's in comparison to other measurements that you get any real meaning. Don't worry!

[Noah's mommy]

I think, too, that at the end of pregnancy fundal height is prone to being "off" more due to baby's position and sometimes dropping into the pelvis. I am 38 weeks and measured 34 weeks-but I grew 2cm. in 10 days. My midwife expects to see measurements that are off by this time-she said in her experience 40 cm at 40 weeks is a pretty good size baby. 34-36 cm. at 40 weeks is just fine too. I really wouldn't worry at this stage if everything else is just fine!