Fundal height measuring 4 weeks behind

[JessieBird]

Hi everyone -

I saw my midwife on Friday. I was exactly 24 weeks but my fundal height was measuring at 20. She was very careful and measured twice to make sure. There are no doubts about how far along I am - I was charting and two ultrasounds matched my dates. I am getting visibly bigger and am feeling lots of movement. Baby's heartbeat was strong. She said not to worry because at my 20 week ultrasound everything was measuring exactly on target and there were no reasons for concern then.

She does however want to see me again in 3 weeks instead of our usual 6 weeks.

Does fundal height really mean anything and could 4 weeks behind be significant at this stage?

Thanks!

[finnegansmom]

It could mean nothing. If the baby is measuring right on target and your fundus is 4 weeks small, it could mean less amniotic fliud than normal. Or the baby is laying in a weird position. I wouldn't be super concerned at this point, I found some of my measurements to be a little random.

[aurinia]

I wouldn't get too concerned about it...just chalk it up to one of those weird random things that happens during pregnancy, especially since your 20wk u/s was great. With my first pg, I measured consistently small (3-4 weeks behind) the entire time, right up until the day I had her. I'd been told due to how small I was measuring, she'd probably be no more than 6lbs, maybe 6 1/2. When she was born on her due date, she was 8lbs, 2oz and 22 inches long. My OB figures it was a combination of her just laying weird and my being in really good shape when I got pg, plus I'm fairly tall, so she just had more room to hide, I guess.

[terra-pip]

I think 2-4 on either side of your weeks is normal...I wouldn't worry if your USs are coming back normal. Try to eat and drink more etc. Rest. I measured small and had a second US to make sure and everything was fine. As long as they are keeping on top of it... and try not to stress too much.

[BlackSheepPDX]

One measurement is probably not much reason for concern. Consistently small (and particularly increasing gaps from expected measurement) would be of more concern. My best friend was measuring VERY small (as much as 6 weeks off) and US showed small as well...she delivered an induced 5lb5oz girl at 39 weeks. They monitored her carefully through the latter weeks, and baby girl has shot up in weight since birth, with no complications. So, it's something to watch, but even if you ARE carrying a small baby, that alone isn't a matter of crisis concern either.

[Rach]

My sister measured small in both of her pregnancies. She carried both to full term and I don't think she measured beyond 34cm with either one. She had a 6 and an 8 pound baby.
Try not to worry. I sounds like everything is going well otherwise.

[CherryBomb]

At this point one discrepancy isn't a huge deal, but it's a good idea to keep an eye on it. I never measured passed 37cm with dd2 (even though I went 11 days overdue) and it was because something was wrong, though I didn't learn that until birth.