In India, where nutritional differences, maternal health conditions, and lifestyle factors vary widely, both tests are essential. They help your doctor understand how your baby is growing and whether you need extra support to ensure a healthy delivery.
Understanding what these tests are helps you understand your baby’s growth better. Let’s see what these two baby growth measuring tools are and how they differ from each other.
What Is Fundal Height?
Fundal height is the distance between your pubic bone (symphysis pubis) and the top of your uterus (fundus). The fundal height is measured in centimetres. Doctors start tracking this measurement from around 20 weeks of pregnancy.A simple rule that usually applies to fundal height is that:
- If you’re 24 weeks pregnant, your fundal height should measure around 24 cm. If you are 28 weeks pregnant, your fundal height should measure around 28 cm.
Fundal height helps your doctor understand:
- Whether your baby’s growth is on track
- Whether your uterus is growing as expected
- The baby’s size and position
- Possible concerns with amniotic fluid or gestational age
How is Fundal Height Measured
Fundal height is measured during your routine antenatal visit. To perform :- You lie on the exam table.
- The doctor feels for your pubic bone and fundus.
- A tape measure is stretched between these two points.
- The number on the tape is your fundal height.
Accuracy of the Fundal Height Measurement
Fundal height is a screening tool, not a diagnostic test. It is simple, inexpensive, and effective for early detection of growth problems. But it is normal for the measurement to vary by a centimeter or two.Your doctor may order an ultrasound if:
- The measurement is consistently ahead
- The measurement is consistently behind
- There is a sudden change
What Is a Growth Scan?
A growth scan (also called a foetal growth ultrasound) is a detailed ultrasound done in the second half of pregnancy, usually between 28 and 36 weeks. It helps your doctor measure your baby’s size, check their organ development, and assess overall well-being.Unlike fundal height, this scan gives precise measurements, including:
- BPD (Biparietal Diameter), which is the width of your baby’s head
- HC (Head Circumference), which is the size of the baby’s skull
- AC (Abdominal Circumference), which is the baby’s nutrition and liver size
- FL (Femur Length), which is the thigh bone length, indicating skeletal growth
- EFW (Estimated Fetal Weight), which is calculated from the above parameters
- AFI (Amniotic Fluid Index), which is the amount of fluid around your baby
- Placenta position and maturity
- Baby’s position (head down, breech, transverse)
- Umbilical cord blood flow
- Circulation to the placenta
- Baby’s breathing movements and activity
| Feature | Fundal Height | Growth Scan |
| Type | Physical measurement | Ultrasound imaging |
| When is it done | Every visit after 20 weeks | Primarily at 28–36 weeks |
| Precision | Rough estimate | Detailed and accurate |
| Checks | Uterus size, baby position | Baby size, organ development, fluid, and placenta |
| Use | Screening tool | Diagnostic tool |
Why Both Matter Together in Indian Pregnancies
India has a unique mix of risk factors such as anaemia, gestational diabetes, thyroid disorders, nutritional gaps, and high-stress urban lifestyles. These factors may affect the results of these tests.Using both fundal height and growth scan allows doctors to:
- Detect foetal growth restriction early
- Identify excessive growth (macrosomia)
- Monitor fluid levels
- Track placental function
- Make decisions on delivery timing
- Improve outcomes in high-risk pregnancies
- Hypertension
- Diabetes
- Twins or multiple foetuses
- IVF
- Low maternal weight
Why Fundal Height Sometimes Doesn’t Match Baby’s Growth?
It can be alarming to hear that you are “measuring ahead” or “measuring small,” but most causes are harmless. There are many factors that can cause you to have a bigger or smaller fundal height than normal. The possible reasons for Fundal Height Measuring big include:- Wrong due date
- Uterine fibroids
- Higher maternal BMI
- Twins or triplets
- Too much fluid (polyhydramnios)
- Breech baby
- Fetal macrosomia
- Petite mothe
- Strong abdominal muscles
- Low amniotic fluid
- The baby has dropped into the pelvis
- Fetal growth restriction (FGR/IUGR)
When do Doctors in India Recommend a Growth Scan?
Doctors may schedule a growth scan if:- Your fundal height is off
- You have gestational diabetes
- You have high blood pressure
- Baby movements reduce
- You had previous pregnancy complications
- You conceived via IVF
- You are carrying twins
- You have anaemia or thyroid issues
What a Growth Scan Cannot Tell You?
Even though growth scans are advanced tools, they cannot:- Predict the exact birth weight
- Detect chromosomal conditions
- Guarantee complication-free delivery
In conclusion
Both fundal height and growth scans play a vital role in monitoring your baby’s health. Fundal height is the first line of screening, while growth scans offer a detailed insight. Together, these tests help ensure that your pregnancy stays safe and your baby develops well. Ensure you always attend your prenatal visits. If you have any concerns about these tests and their results, speak to your healthcare team.FAQs on Fundal Height vs. Baby Growth Scan: Why Both Matter in Indian Pregnancies
- Should I eat or drink anything specific before a growth scan?
Most growth scans do not require a full bladder. But follow your healthcare provider’s instructions, as some prefer a partially filled bladder for clearer images. - Are growth scans painful?No, growth scans are painless and non-invasive. You may feel mild pressure from the probe during the scan, but it should not cause you pain.
