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This Internet site provides information of a general nature and is designed for educational purposes only. If you have any concerns about your own health or the health of your child, you should always consult with a doctor or other healthcare professional. Please review the Terms of Use before using this site. Your use of the site indicates your agreement to be bound by the Terms of Use. This site is published by BabyCenter, L.L.C., which is responsible for its contents as further described and qualified in the Terms of Use. There is a lot of diagnostic testing that is completed while you're pregnant. Likely, you're already an expert on everything from nuchal screening to the four chamber heart exam. However, there are some tests that are a little more ambiguous, and may lend themselves to various answers running around your brain. A good example for these is the fundal height and ultrasound size testing. You may measure perfectly for your due date, or larger or smaller, depending. But, what does it mean if your baby is measuring ahead? Is it simply a case of a bigger baby, or should you be concerned? What Does It Mean If Your Baby Is Measuring Ahead?There are a myriad of reasons you might be measuring ahead. One is that you have an abnormally large amount of amniotic fluid — more than normal — surrounding your baby. This condition, known as polyhydramnios, is usually noticeable to the mother because of the feeling of discomfort and difficulty feeling the baby move in the womb, according to the Mayo Clinic. Another reason is that your due date was calculated incorrectly, which, while rare, does occur. You could be carrying a large baby, or more than one, or you might have fibroids of a significant size that's forcing your womb forward, causing you to measure ahead, according to The Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology. But what are the implications of measuring ahead for the mother and child? Is it dangerous? What does it mean if you're measuring ahead if it's almost your due date? It's a pretty tense question. I spoke with OB-GYN Dr. James Smith and he tells Romper, "Fundal height measurement isn't an exact science, but it gives us a good starting point. Sometimes, you could measure ahead or behind by virtue of a mere trick of your anatomy." I can vouch for this. When I was pregnant with my daughter, I was measuring a few weeks behind when it was almost my due date. I was justifiably frightened. My OB-GYN sent me for a fetal scan at the ultrasound clinic. As it turns out, my daughter was happily hanging out low in my very deep pelvis, and was actually measuring a bit bigger than expected as opposed to a few weeks behind. I delivered her at 38 weeks, and she was 7 pounds, 4 ounces of squish. Can Measuring Ahead Be Dangerous For You Or Your Baby?"Most of the time, it's not a huge deal, and we simply monitor it, and continue as normal," Smith adds. "However, if the OB-GYN is concerned, or if you have a condition like gestational diabetes that carries the risks of very large for age babies, we will send you for a scan." He says that the scan helps them determine what comes next. "Some babies are just a bit bigger, and it's not a worry. Women's bodies are more capable than we give them credit for being." He does note, however, that it sometimes can be dangerous. "There are times when we can see that your baby has what we call fetal macrosomia, which is just a fancy Latin term for really big baby. It can be strategically difficult to determine the best course of action in these cases. Some OB-GYNs will schedule a C-section, and some will induce between 38 and 40 weeks. It's really determined on a case-by-case basis, where we look at many factors to evaluate the best option for the mother and child." He also adds that in the event that you're measuring large because you have a lot of fluid, that, too, is monitored closely to determine whether or not the excess of fluids is putting the mother or neonate in danger in any way. But mostly, they just keep an eye on it. Measuring ahead sounds scarier than it needs to be. It seems to most likely mean that the newborn sized clothing and diapers will have no use in your home, so stock up on the bigger sizes, or prepare for a lot of baby nudity. Expert: Dr. James Smith, OB-GYN This article was originally published on Oct. 31, 2017
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those of What to Expect. Learn more about our guidelines Is it normal for baby to measure 1 week ahead? I know for 100% certainty that my conception date hasn’t changed. Anyone else measuring a head?
Reply My babies always mearure ahead. My boy did end up big (9.1 lb) but thats not always the case. Measurements could be off. It's common and not a big deal. They’ll go up and down depending on growth spurts and it’s not super
accurate like earlier on. I was induced with one of mine because they thought she was to small. She was born that same day and magically weighed 2 more pounds than ultrasound said that morning. My babes been measuring a week ahead since the start. They only change your expected due date if they measure over 2 weeks ahead. Otherwise they still base it on your last period @CP1186, thanks! I’m 5’7 and my husband is 6’4. Tall men run in my family as well my dad and brother brother both being 6’6... i think it just hit me that I’m going to have a big baby lol oh and it’s a boy. Mine also measured a week ahead. I expect my little girl to be a tall baby though, as I am 5’11” and my husband is taller than me!  kittyspoppy2 fetuses have growth spurts too! The baby may catch up, or remain ahead. Mine changes throughout my pregnancy... I'm 100% positive on my dates but have been measuring a bit ahead, and at the 20 week scan the baby's weight is 2+ weeks ahead! they assured me it would go up and down but also it might just be a slightly bigger baby. I already told my husband that's his fault and I'm blaming him, lol Yep, my hubby is tall & my baby is measuring almost 2 weeks ahead. We did IVF so its physically impossible for them to move her due date forward anymore. They are measuring the lengths of baby (different parts which are all laid out hc head circumference, ac abdominal circumference etc) these are then plotted on a chart which then say around about gestational age and size etc. This can be off as the angle of the leg could make the leg look bigger or smaller, the head position and how easy it is to get baby into a good position will determine that... also baby is a moving object... pretty difficult to get it exactly the same each time. I wouldn't worry about it. I’ve been consistently measuring a week ahead. My girls both measured a week behind and were two weeks early at 7 lbs 5 oz (I’m consistent) so I’d take it with a grain of salt. Curious if this baby will be big or come even earlier - or on time and be small! You just never know. Ultrasound prediction is all over the place At my 16 week ultrasound, the baby measured 6 days ahead. Everything else was healthy; she just looked bigger than you'd expect at 16 weeks. My husband was minorly concerned until I told him not to worry about it.
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What does it mean if my baby is measuring a week ahead?If you're told your baby measures ahead or behind schedule, try not to worry. It usually just means an ultrasound or further testing is needed. Your baby is more than likely developing perfectly. Talk to your healthcare provider if you have any concerns about your fundal height or the size of your baby.
Will I deliver early if my baby is measuring big?If a baby is too large to fit through the birth canal easily, delivery can be difficult. If ultrasound exams during pregnancy show a baby is very large, your healthcare provider may recommend early delivery.
What happens if your baby is measuring big?Risks associated with fetal macrosomia increase greatly when birth weight is more than 9 pounds, 15 ounces (4,500 grams). Fetal macrosomia may complicate vaginal delivery and can put the baby at risk of injury during birth. Fetal macrosomia also puts the baby at increased risk of health problems after birth.
What should your belly measure at 20 weeks?This fundal height measurement gives your provider information about your baby's growth. At around 20 weeks of pregnancy, the top of the uterus reaches the navel, and your fundal height would be about 7 to 8.5 inches (18 to 22 centimeters).
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Baby measuring 1 week ahead at 20 weeks
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