fundal height – What is it and why is it measured?
Fundal height is the distance from the top of the uterus to the pubic symphysis. This measurement can be used to determine if a pregnant woman is developing her baby at the appropriate rate.
The fundal height measurement is generally taken at each prenatal visit, starting at around 20 weeks. The measurement is typically performed by a midwife or obstetrician using a tape measure. The fundal height is generally considered to be a good indicator of fetal development and growth.
There are a number of reasons why fundal height is measured during pregnancy. One reason is to ensure that the baby is growing at a normal rate. This measurement can also be used to detect twins or other multiples, as well as intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR).
In general, the fundal height measurement should correlate with the gestational age of the pregnancy. For example, at 20 weeks, the fundal height should be approximately 20 centimeters. If the fundal height measurement is significantly different from the expected gestational age, it may be a sign of a problem with fetal development.
In addition to monitoring fetal growth, the fundal height measurement can also be used to assess the position of the baby. For instance, if the fundal height measurement is significantly lower than expected, it may be a sign that the baby is breech (bottom-first).
While the fundal height measurement is generally a good indicator of fetal health, it is important to keep in mind that there are a number of other factors that can affect the measurement. For instance, the position of the baby and the amount of amniotic fluid can impact the fundal height measurement.
Overall, the fundal height measurement is a helpful tool for monitoring fetal development and growth. However, it is important to remember that it is just one part of the overall assessment of a pregnant woman and her baby. Original source
Breast changes – What can women expect in regards to their breasts during pregnancy?
During pregnancy, a woman’s breasts will usually change in size and shape. The breasts may become larger, heavier, and more tender. The areola (dark area around the nipple) may also become larger and darker. These changes are due to the increased levels of hormones in the body during pregnancy.
As the breasts grow, the skin stretches and may become itchy. The breasts may also leak a small amount of colostrum (early breast milk) in the last few weeks of pregnancy. It is important to wear a supportive bra during pregnancy to help reduce discomfort and stretch marks.
After the baby is born, the breasts will continue to produce milk. The amount of milk produced will depend on how often the baby nurses. The breasts will shrink back to their pre-pregnancy size over time.
Visit pregnancysicknesssuport.org.uk to learn more about pregnancy symptoms week 3. Disclaimer: We used this website as a reference for this blog post.