Fetal Growth: Understanding Fetal Height and Ultrasound Percentiles

Question
I am 30 weeks pregnant and have measured 32 weeks since 26 weeks pregnant.  I had my last ultrasound 4 weeks ago and the baby was in the 50-90th percentile.  Should I be concerned that the baby has stopped growing

Answer
Dear Andrea,

As long as the fetal heart rate remains strong and within normal limits and you continue to experience appropriate fetal movement everyday, then I would not be overly concerned. The baby's measurements via ultrasound were above average at 26 weeks anyway. So if all other findings were also normal, we really just look to any signs, like a significant decrease in fetal movements, that would indicate a problem. If there are none - then I would not be concerned.

Fundal height measurements are a tool which was used much more before we had ultrasounds. There is no measurement more exact than an ultrasound, which isn't always perfect either, but the fundal height, although often recorded with each visit, can be even more inaccurate. Many OBs who see the same patients at every visit don't even record fundal height but merely note whether the size of the uterus is compatible with the gestational age. A doctor who is familiar with his or her patients will generally know when a baby isn't growing appropriately. Fundal height measurements tend to be more useful in large clinics where a pateient may see many doctors throughout the pregnancy. And if there are suspicions of a growth restricted baby or a LGA (large for gestational age) baby, then ultrasound tends to be the best way to sort out any worries - not fundal height.

I hope this has helped you and answered your question. I wish you well.

Brenda