In this article:
How Do Doctors Measure Fundal Height?
During your prenatal visit, your doctor will ask you to lie flat on your back. Using a soft measuring tape, they’ll measure from your pubic bone to the top of your uterus.The measurement is recorded in centimetres. Usually, your fundal height in centimetres matches your pregnancy week, for example, around 20 cm at 20 weeks.
During this checkup, the doctor may also note your
- Baby’s position
- Amniotic fluid levels, and
- Your overall health
What Does the Fundal Height Chart by Week Look Like?
Here’s a simple guide to understand how your fundal height changes as each week of your pregnancy passes:| Weeks of Pregnancy | Average Fundal Height (cm) |
| 12 weeks | Just above the pubic bone |
| 16 weeks | Midway between the pubic bone and the navel |
| 20 weeks | At the level of your navel (~20 cm) |
| 24 weeks | 24 cm |
| 28 weeks | 28 cm |
| 32 weeks | 32 cm |
| 36 weeks | Near the ribs (34–36 cm) |
| 40 weeks | Slightly lower as the baby drops into the pelvis |
NOTE:
How Does Fundal Height Change During Each Trimester?
In the first trimester, your uterus is still small and sits low in the pelvis. Hence, the fundal height cannot be easily felt or measured.By the second trimester, your uterus grows quickly. Around 20 weeks, it reaches your navel, and from then on, it usually increases by about 1 cm each week.
In the third trimester, the growth slows as your baby prepares for birth. Around 36 weeks, the uterus reaches just under your ribs, and then it may drop slightly as your baby moves down.
What If the Fundal Height Is Smaller or Larger Than Expected?
If your fundal height is smaller than expected, your doctor might check for causes such as low amniotic fluid, a smaller baby, or growth restriction. Sometimes, the baby may be in a different lie, like transverse or oblique. Don’t worry, as your doctor knows what is best for you and your baby.If the measurement is larger than expected, then it could mean more amniotic fluid, a big baby, or sometimes twins. Sometimes it can be just a full urinary bladder of expecting mother. These differences don’t always mean a problem, but your doctor might recommend an ultrasound to confirm your baby’s well-being.
How Reliable Is Fundal Height in Indian Women?
While fundal height is a helpful screening method, the measurements may vary from mother to mother. Especially in India, where some women may come from regions with higher undernutrition rates. Additionally, factors such as pregnancy, weight gain, and haemoglobin levels may influence the measurement.How Can You Support Healthy Baby Growth During Pregnancy?
The lifestyle you follow throughout your pregnancy is important for supporting your baby’s growth and health. Eating a balanced diet with nutrients like protein, iron, and calcium is important.Additionally, hydration and proper rest are also needed to ensure your body is coping well. While pregnancy requires you to be careful, movement is important. To stay active through your pregnancy, you can perform pregnancy yoga and even practice gentle walks.
It is also important not to miss your regular antenatal checkups. Avoid measuring fundal height at home. This procedure requires proper technique; therefore, it must not be performed without medical supervision.
Measuring fundal height is a simple way of assessing your baby’s growth at every stage of pregnancy. Small variations in these measurements are completely normal. Every body and pregnancy is unique. Hence, it is important to trust your doctor’s advice. To ensure your baby is growing healthily, eat well, stay hydrated, take enough rest, move, and be positive.
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FAQs on Fundal Height Chart by Week: A Simple Guide for Indian Pregnant Women
- Does diet really impact my fundal height?
Yes, your diet plays a very important role in your baby’s growth. Eating a nutritious diet is important to support your baby’s healthy development. At any point during your pregnancy, if you are unsure about what to eat, speak to your healthcare provider. - When does the doctor start measuring fundal height?
Your doctor will start measuring your fundal height from about 20 weeks of your pregnancy. This is because the uterus starts to become more prominent above the pelvis at about 20 weeks.
