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Determination of the height of the fundus of the uterus by weeks of pregnancy. Why do pregnant women measure the height of the bottom of the uterus Vdm below normal

An important diagnostic indicator in the management of pregnancy is the height of the fundus of the uterus. The discrepancy between the height of the uterine fundus (UFM) and the gestational age may indicate the development of pathology and requires additional diagnostic measures.

What is VCDM? Where is the uterine fundus in women who have not given birth? What are the normal sizes of the uterus during pregnancy? Should a pregnant woman worry if the height indicator does not correspond to the table?

How does the uterus work?

The main function of the uterus is childbearing. The organ is made up of tight muscle joints, thanks to which it can stretch to the desired size as the fetus grows and contract to its natural size in the postpartum period.

During pregnancy, this small sac of elastic muscle grows almost 500 times larger. The weight of the uterus before pregnancy is only 50 g, and at the 40th week this figure reaches 1–1.5 kg.


Where is the uterine fundus located before pregnancy?

Many women are interested in where the uterine fundus is. This is the highest point that protrudes above the pubic joint. In a woman who has not given birth, the length of the uterus is approximately 7 cm. As soon as a fertilized egg is introduced into its mucous membrane, its size begins to gradually increase. In the early stages, the bottom is located slightly below the navel and rises as the organ grows with the child inside. The determination is made in two stages:

  • external manual examination of the uterus;
  • measurement of the abdominal circumference and VDM by means of a centimeter tape.

External palpation of the fundus of the uterus becomes possible only from the 16th week of pregnancy (for more details, see the article: the size of the uterus at 16 weeks of gestation). Until this time, WDM can only be determined by vaginal examination.



How does the uterus change during pregnancy?

The change in the size and shape of the uterus is due to the growth of the baby in it. Since the baby weighs more and more every week, the uterus, accordingly, also stretches more. Roughly until the 3rd month, the uterus is at the level of the womb. In size and shape, it resembles a chicken egg, and a little later a goose egg. At this time, the tummy is not yet growing, so nothing can betray the woman's condition.

Until the third trimester of pregnancy, the uterus becomes ovoid. After 32–34 weeks, the baby inside the uterus should take its natural prenatal position - head down.

The structure of the tissues of the uterus also undergoes changes. The walls during this period become thicker and a powerful vascular network forms on them.

How and why is the height of the fundus of the uterus determined?

Data on the height of the uterus must be entered into the patient's exchange card after each planned and unscheduled visit. Before the appointment, the expectant mother needs to prepare for the examination, for example, to empty the intestines in a timely manner. An overflowing bladder can also distort the actual WDM readings. In addition, a pregnant patient should carefully consider the outfit. The expectant mother should choose comfortable and free things. It is better for patients to refuse clothing that squeezes the abdomen or is difficult to remove. Each routine inspection usually follows the following pattern:

  • acceptance by a woman of a horizontal position;
  • palpation of the uterus;
  • determining the length from the pubic bone to the upper part of the uterus using a tape meter.


Despite the fact that the procedure takes less than 1 minute, it is very informative. Usually, after fixing the height of the fundus of the uterus, the obstetrician measures the circumference of the abdomen in order to determine the estimated volume of amniotic fluid. These measurements are less accurate than WDM, since they depend on the thickness of the fatty layer on the abdominal wall and the individual characteristics of the woman's physique. In accordance with the gestational age, the gynecologist draws conclusions about the development, position of the fetus and the amount of amniotic fluid.

A woman can independently find out where the fundus of the uterus is located at home. To do this, you need to lie down, apply a measuring tape from the pubic joint to the point at which the abdomen ceases to be firm. This length is VSDM.

Norm and pathology: table of values ​​of VSDM

In the table below, the values ​​of the height of the standing of the uterine fundus are normal and critical indicators. Deviations from the norm by 1–2 cm should not alarm a pregnant woman. If the measurement results are critical, the gynecologist is obliged to send the patient for additional diagnostics - ultrasound, Doppler, cardiotocography.


What does the deviation from the norm mean?

The specialist conducting the pregnancy relies not only on the abdominal circumference parameter and WDM measurements. If you suspect the development of pathology, these indicators allow you to assess the condition of the child and act ahead of the curve. The advantage of the method is its painlessness and speed.

Indicators less than the norm may indicate both problems and the peculiarities of the anatomy of the expectant mother. So, short stature, narrow hips of the expectant mother can affect the results of measuring the BMR.

Deviation from standard indicators may indicate an erroneous determination of the gestational age. If the pregnancy proceeds without complications and complaints of a deterioration in well-being, a low indicator is a sign that the gynecologist has incorrectly calculated the week of pregnancy. Errors in determining the date happen due to irregular periods or in the case when a woman does not exactly remember the date of the last menstruation.

Another reason is the pathology of the growth and development of the fetus. A deviation of VDM from the norm may indicate various violations of the course of pregnancy, for example, oligohydramnios.


In some pregnant women, the BMR indicator, on the contrary, is overestimated. It is less dangerous for a pregnant woman and her baby. Indicators above the norm are a sign:

  • Large physique of a child. In most cases, the excess of the indicator is due to a hereditary factor. In rare cases, a deviation from the norm is a manifestation of diabetes mellitus in the mother or intrauterine pathologies.
  • Multiple pregnancies. Several babies develop in the uterus. In rare cases, two fetuses can be positioned so that the first ultrasound only detects one baby.
  • Physique features of the patient. The height of the standing of the fundus of the uterus in a tall woman with massive hips may slightly exceed the normal value.
  • Improper intrauterine position of the fetus. This often happens in the third trimester. Since a planned ultrasound scan is performed at 32-34 weeks, and a baby up to 40 weeks old can change its position several times, measuring the WDM is the only way to determine its location without an ultrasound examination
  • Violations of the course of pregnancy. Too high the height of the fundus of the uterus in the later stages is considered a sign of polyhydramnios. An indicator above the norm may also indicate a dangerous pathology - the presence of chorionepithelioma, that is, a tumor in the tissue of the placenta.

Most women of different ages, taking care of their health, have repeatedly done ultrasound of the pelvic organs. And more than once heard about the size of the uterus. Normally, when a woman is not pregnant, the approximate size of the uterus should correspond to the following parameters.

In women of childbearing age:

  • length - 4.5 - 6.7 cm,
  • width - 4.6 - 6.4 cm,
  • thickness - 3.5 cm.

In postmenopausal women, the size of the uterus decreases:

  • length - 4.2 cm,
  • width - 4.4 cm,
  • thickness - 3.0 cm.

Deviations from normal sizes in one direction or another may indicate the presence of certain diseases.

During pregnancy, as the fetus grows, the size of the uterus increases.

During pregnancy, by the size of the uterus, you can determine the duration and nature of its course, analyze the development of the fetus and notice any deviations in time.

In the early stages of pregnancy, the size of the uterus is determined by finger vaginal probing by a gynecologist and using an ultrasound scan. And starting from the second trimester, the doctor already determines such a value as the height of the standing of the fundus of the uterus (VVD).

During pregnancy, together with the fetus, the uterus grows all the time and goes beyond the pelvic floor, taking up space in the abdominal cavity. Therefore, the doctor probes it through the abdominal cavity.

The obstetrician-gynecologist measures the height of the uterine fundus at every visit to the pregnant woman. During the measurement, the patient should lie on a couch, on her back. The VSD is measured using a measuring tape from the pubic articulation to the highest point of the uterus. The results are recorded to analyze the development of the fetus throughout the pregnancy.

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The height of the fundus of the uterus increases with each week of pregnancy and should normally correspond to certain values. Depending on the woman's age, her individual characteristics of the body structure, the size of the fetus, the size of the amniotic fluid and the number of embryos, deviations of the magnitude of the VSD in one direction or another by 2 - 4 cm are possible.

Therefore, in order to correctly assess the course of pregnancy, the resulting VSV value is compared with the waist circumference and the size of the fetus.

The height of the fundus of the uterus by weeks of pregnancy is as follows:

at 8-9 weeks, the height of the fundus of the uterus is 8-9 cm,

at 10 - 11 weeks, the height of the fundus of the uterus is 10 - 11 cm,

at 12 - 13 weeks, the height of the fundus of the uterus is 10 - 11 cm,

at 16 - 17 weeks, the height of the fundus of the uterus is 14 - 19 cm,

at 18 - 19 weeks, the height of the fundus of the uterus is 16 - 21 cm,

at 20 - 21 weeks, the height of the fundus of the uterus is 18 - 24 cm,

at 22 - 23 weeks, the height of the fundus of the uterus is 21 - 25 cm,

at 24 - 25 weeks, the height of the fundus of the uterus is 23 - 27 cm,

at 26 - 27 weeks, the height of the fundus of the uterus is 25 - 28 cm,

at 28 - 29 weeks, the height of the fundus of the uterus is 26 - 31 cm,

at 30 - 31 weeks, the height of the fundus of the uterus is 29 - 32 cm,

at 32 - 33 weeks, the height of the fundus of the uterus is 31 - 33 cm,

at 34 - 35 weeks, the height d on the uterus is 32 - 33 cm,

at 36 - 37 weeks, the height of the fundus of the uterus is 32 - 37 cm,

at 38 - 39 weeks, the height of the fundus of the uterus is 35 - 38 cm,

at 40 - 41 weeks, the height of the fundus of the uterus is 34 - 35 cm.

At 8-9 weeks of gestation, the uterus is the size of a goose egg. And until that time, it is not palpable through the abdominal wall, as it is located within the small pelvis. At the 12th week, the placenta develops and begins to function, and blood vessels form in the embryo. Therefore, the uterus begins to grow in size.

At a gestation period of 10-13 weeks, the VSD reaches 11 cm. During this period, the mother's body begins to rebuild for the normal supply of the fetus with oxygen and nutrients, therefore, toxicosis increases.

At 14-16 weeks, the embryo already has all the organs. During this period, the length of the uterus is 14 cm. At 16 weeks, the uterus can be felt in the middle between the pubis and the navel.

On a period of 17 - 18 weeks, the VSD corresponds to 18 - 19 cm. By this time, the entire placental system is finally formed. And the fetus ends up developing the cerebellum, immune system and limbs.

At 20 weeks, the VSD is equal to the gestational age, that is, 20 cm. After the 21st week, the length of the uterus grows by about 1 cm per week. Its bottom can be felt at a distance of 2 fingers from the navel.

For a period of 22 - 24 weeks, the VSD reaches 23 - 24 cm and is felt in the navel. At this time, the baby develops the bone apparatus and muscles, and the pulmonary system is formed. The fetus weighs approximately 0.6 kg.

For a period of 28 weeks, the VSD is 28 cm. The bottom is probed approximately 2 cm above the navel.

At a period of 29 - 30 weeks, the VSD approaches 31 cm. The fetus is no longer small in size. Many pregnant women have high blood pressure during this period.

At 32 weeks, the bottom of the uterus is located between the navel and the xiphoid process of the sternum. VSD - 32 cm.

At 36 weeks, the bottom of the uterus is already felt at the level of the line connecting the costal arches.

For a period of 38 weeks, VSD is 36 cm.

From the 39th week, the bottom of the uterus begins to descend and press on the woman's stomach and diaphragm. As a result, a pregnant woman may experience digestive problems, manifested by heartburn. The fruit already weighs 2.1 - 2.25 kg.

At 40 weeks, the IRR is less than 35 cm and sometimes decreases to 32 cm. The bottom of the uterus is again probed between the navel and the ribs. At this time, the baby is already full-term, he is actively growing, and the mother's body is preparing for childbirth. The moment the baby is lowered into the pelvis, labor begins.

If the IRR is below the norm corresponding to the gestational age, then this is a sign:

  1. Low water.
  2. A wide pelvis in a woman.
  3. Errors in determining the duration of pregnancy.
  4. Delays in fetal development.

If the IRR is higher than the norm corresponding to the gestational age, this is a sign:

  1. The narrow pelvis of a pregnant woman.
  2. Large fruit size.
  3. Abundant water.
  4. Multiple pregnancy.
  5. Improper fetal position.

In parallel with the determination of the IRR, an important diagnostic value is the calculation of the amount of amniotic fluid, which speaks of the development of the fetus. This value depends on the individual anatomical structure of the woman and the total thickness of the subcutaneous adipose tissue. And at the end of pregnancy, these two indicators are used to calculate the weight of the fetus.

Now, knowing that the size of the height of the fundus of the uterus is one of the important diagnostic signs of the pathology of the course of pregnancy, you will no longer wonder why the obstetrician-gynecologist feels and measures your belly at each visit.

Hello dear readers!

During the period of bearing a child, a woman has to deal with many previously unknown procedures, examinations and medical terms. One of the main diagnostic indicators is WDM, or the height of the fundus of the uterus by weeks of pregnancy, which is a table that allows you to monitor the development of the fetus.

The procedure differs in safety and ease of implementation. The gynecologist does not need complicated instruments or equipment. Measurements are carried out quite quickly, and the data obtained allow us to establish the size of the fetus, as well as the presence or absence of any complications.

Every woman "in position" will have to face the procedure for measuring BMR more than once. In order to be aware of what is happening and not worry in vain, it is better to find out in advance what kind of diagnostic method it is, what specific measurement standards should be at different times during gestation and what to do in case of deviations.

On average, the length of the uterus of a woman of reproductive age reaches 7-8 cm, and up to 4 cm in height. These dimensions may differ slightly depending on the characteristics of the patient's body. In those who have not given birth, the weight of the uterus varies between 40-50 grams.

With the onset of pregnancy, the parameters of the organ gradually begin to change, it increases, reaching up to 4 kg in weight. The condition of the mother and baby depends on the speed and intensity with which the fetus increases in a 9-month period.

That is why it is important to monitor any changes in the uterine body. The gynecologist knows how to determine its parameters. The information received from each session on the diagnosis of the fundus of the uterus is recorded by the specialist in the medical record.

The measurement allows you to fix the size of the uterus and even determine the gestational age, if this is the first procedure. To make it clear to women, the fundus of the uterus is its highest point.

The main stages of measurements and important nuances

The WDM measurement procedure is simple. To complete it, you will need an ordinary tailor's centimeter. It is impossible to use a ruler or other solid measuring devices, since the girth and circumference of the abdomen, that is, the convex surface, will have to be measured.

The procedure is carried out in several stages, namely:

  • the bladder is emptied;
  • any items of clothing and squeezing accessories are removed from the pelvic and abdominal area;
  • the position "lying on the back" is adopted;
  • the place where the pubic bone is located is fixed;
  • the highest point of the uterus is found where the elastic surface is replaced by a softish one;
  • the distance from the pubic bone to the found fundus of the uterine body is measured;
  • the data is indicated in cm and is recorded in the medical record of the pregnant woman.

It is not recommended to take measurements yourself, as the results may turn out to be inaccurate. The pregnancy forum contains many reviews of women who have already given birth that it is better to perform the procedure in the clinic under the guidance of an experienced doctor. The specialist will be able not only to make accurate measurements, but also to interpret the results obtained.

Changes in the uterus in multiple and repeated pregnancies: how is WDM measured?

Deviations from the norm in WDM measurements can be observed with twins and more babies in the womb. The numbers in this case will exceed the standard values ​​due to the too rapid growth of the abdomen and the height of the fundus of the uterus.

These indicators also make it possible to identify multiple pregnancies in a situation when only one baby is visible on ultrasound diagnostics, or the woman simply did not do an ultrasound scan.

The results will be different for women who are not for the first time in an "interesting position." After childbirth, the muscles of the abdominal cavity become less strong and during the second pregnancy they no longer restrain the growth of the fetus as much as the first time.

The uterus grows faster, so the WDM indicator often does not correspond to the deadline, which doctors must take into account when taking measurements.

WYM Norms: What Should You Know About Each Indicator Based On Weekly Observations?

Measurements of the height of the fundus of the uterus are performed regularly every week, which allows you to monitor the condition of the fetus to some extent.

For a woman of average height and configuration, carrying one baby and in the absence of any pathologies in the body, the table of WDM indicators will be represented by the following data:

Pregnancy period, weeksWDM, cm
8-9 8-9
10-11 10-11
12-13 10-11
14-15 12-13
16-17 14-19
18-19 16-21
20-21 18-24
22-23 21-25
24-25 23-27
26-27 25-28
28-29 26-31
30-31 29-32
32-33 31-33
34-35 32-33
36-37 32-37
38-39 35-38
40-41 34-35

The indicator of the height of the bottom of the uterine body can also be calculated by timing. It is considered the norm if the measurement results in centimeters are as close as possible to the figure of the week of pregnancy. Digital data over a period can be observed with multiple or not the first pregnancy.

Deviations from the norm: when is there a reduced WDM value?

Physiological reasons for deviations from the norm, which include a wide pelvis in a woman, genetic predisposition, the small size of the baby in the womb and inaccurate determination of the term, do not pose a threat to either the child or the mother.

However, there is a number of unpleasant pathologies in which the measurements of the WDM turn out to be shorter than the period and they include:

  • lack of water;
  • delay in the development of the baby in the womb;
  • diseases of an infectious nature or inflammation;
  • freezing of the fetus;
  • pathology of the placenta.

Dangerous conditions that affect the excess of the height of the fundus of the uterus are cystic drift, large size of the fetus due to diabetes, polyhydramnios and placental edema.

Women who are soon preparing to become mothers are advised to familiarize themselves with educational literature and purchase things that create maximum comfort while carrying a child.

Cozy, light and body-friendly home kit MONAMISE in sizes 44-45-46 it is equipped with an adjustable waistband over the abdomen and comfortable tank straps, making it an ideal outfit for pregnant and lactating women.

conclusions

You can calculate WDM via the Internet. There are special calculator sites for expectant mothers, where an algorithm for measuring the height of the uterine fundus is presented. This is especially useful and convenient for those who, for whatever reason, have to skip a session to measure the height of the fundus of the uterine organ.

In any case, you should seek help from a gynecologist who is leading a pregnancy. The fact is that each organism is individual, therefore, in each specific case, there may be its own nuances. Whatever happens, be attentive to any changes in your body and the state of the developing fetus within you.

Do not forget that a timely appeal to a specialist is the only correct decision in any non-standard situations. Read useful information and recommend it to your friends by reposting on the wall on social networks. Ask questions and leave comments. Until next time in the next articles!

Best regards, Katherine Grimova, mother of a wonderful daughter!

Content

From the moment of conception to delivery, the size of the fetus gradually increases. The observed growth of the uterus by weeks of pregnancy is a normal physiological process. According to the dynamics of this indicator, an experienced gynecologist monitors the peculiarities of changes in the state of the mother and the development of the embryo, can notice the complications or pathologies that have arisen in time and take measures to eliminate them. Measurements are made and recorded by a doctor at regular scheduled examinations; from the second trimester, a woman can perform them independently, at home.

What is the size of the uterus by weeks of pregnancy

The dimensions of the uterus in nulliparous women on average are from 4.5 to 7 cm in length and from 4.5 to 6.5 cm in width, thickness - 3.5-4 cm.Individual parameters may deviate from the physiological norm by 2-3 see After the onset of pregnancy and embryo implantation, the organ begins to enlarge (under the influence of fetal growth), continuing until the last prenatal weeks. By childbirth, the size of the uterus reaches 33-40 cm.

By changing the location of the uterus and the parameters of its growth, an experienced specialist can determine the duration of pregnancy, the nuances of its course, and the characteristics of the development of the fetus. To track the dynamics of organ enlargement, at each scheduled examination, the gynecologist measures the volume of the abdomen, the width of the pelvis. With the beginning of the second trimester, an indicator of the height of the standing of the fundus of the uterus (VVD or VDM) is entered.

The height of the fundus of the uterus by weeks of pregnancy is the distance between the pubic symphysis and the highest point of the organ, measured with a conventional measuring tape. On average, this indicator corresponds to the period - from 8-9 cm at the eighth-ninth week, up to 35-40 cm - at the fortieth week. Deviations may indicate multiple pregnancies (with increased values) or pathologies (incorrect fetal position, developmental retardation, oligohydramnios). The method of such diagnostics is indicative only in dynamics, one-time measurements are not informative.

Features of changes in the uterus during pregnancy

The process of organ enlargement occurs gradually, measuredly, therefore, normally it does not give a woman uncomfortable sensations. Pulling pains, other unpleasant symptoms occur against the background of sprains or adhesions with polyhydramnios, multiple pregnancies, or due to scars after previous surgeries. The size of the uterus depends on the trimester and changes as follows:

  1. First trimester. The uterus is located behind the pelvic bone, shaped like a pear. At the sixth week, the size of the organ reaches the volume of a chicken egg, at the eighth - a goose one. By the end of the trimester, the uterus takes on a round shape, increases three times from the initial size.
  2. Second trimester. The organ is centered in the pelvic region, acquires symmetry, begins to be felt through the abdominal wall, as it comes out from behind the pubic bone.
  3. Third trimester. The organ again takes on the shape of an egg, stretching towards the bottom. The uterine cavity, in comparison with the beginning of pregnancy, increases 500 times, the weight of the organ changes on average from 50 g to a kilogram (muscle fibers lengthen, thicken, the vascular network develops).

The height of the standing of the fundus of the uterus for weeks in each trimester increases in parallel with the development of the fetus. It goes through the following main stages:

  • 8-9 weeks of obstetric term - the average volume of an organ corresponds to a goose egg, it cannot be felt through the abdominal wall.
  • 10-13 - the organ rises above the pubic bone; the activity of the functions of the placental system increases, the corpus luteum gradually disappears. The fetus develops a vascular system, it begins to make the first movements. WDM - about 11 cm.
  • 14-16 - completion of the formation of the internal organs of the embryo. The uterus reaches a size of 14-15 cm. At 16 weeks, the position of the bottom height reaches the middle between the navel and the apex of the pubic bone.
  • 17-19 - the fetus develops the immune system, limbs, cerebellum. The organ increases in size up to 19-20 cm.
  • Week 20 and further - the size of the gap between the bottom of the uterus and the pubis reaches 21 cm, then this indicator grows by an average of 1 cm per week. The BMD is located about two fingers apart below the navel.
  • 23-24 - the weight of the fetus reaches 0.6 kg or more, muscles and bones develop, the respiratory system is formed. WDM - 24 cm.
  • 28 - WDM about 28 cm, located 2-3 cm above the navel.
  • 29-30 - the size of the organ reaches 31-32 cm.
  • 32 - the uterus is located in the center between the navel and the xiphoid process of the sternum, the WDM is about 34 cm.
  • 38 - a gradual descent of the organ begins, accompanied by strong pressure on the diaphragm and stomach.
  • 40 - the size of the uterus ranges from 32-34 to 40 cm, depending on the physiological characteristics of the mother's body, the size of the fetus, and a number of other factors.

Uterus size chart by week

The indicators of the standing height of the bottom and the size of the uterus are physiological, therefore, deviations from the fixed norms within 2-3 cm in most cases arise due to the characteristics of the mother's body and the individual nuances of the course of pregnancy. The dynamics of changes in the size and position of the organ in accordance with different periods is presented in the table:

Pregnancy period, weeks

Until about 16 weeks, it is difficult to determine the location of the fundus, because the organ is covered by the pubic bone. From 20 weeks, the bottom is well felt through the abdominal wall in the presence of a small layer of fatty layer. From the 24th week, the height of the standing of the bottom is in the navel, then, until the prenatal weeks, including them, the depth of the bottom of the uterus and the organ itself are perfectly felt through the abdominal wall. In parallel with the growth in the size of the organ itself, there is a slight decrease in the length of its neck.

Deviations from the norm

The location of the uterus by weeks of pregnancy and its size with normal growth and development of the fetus change at approximately the same rate in all women. If the doctor fixes in dynamics the deviations from the average normal indicators (taking into account the physiological individual characteristics of the mother) up or down, he prescribes a number of additional examinations in order to timely prevent the development of dangerous complications.

Indicators below the norm

When changes in the size of the uterus by weeks of pregnancy deviate from the norm downward, doctors, depending on the timing, prescribe a number of additional diagnostic examinations (for example, ultrasound). Such indicators may indicate an inaccurate determination of the term, a thin physique of the mother. Ultrasound helps to identify possible pathologies that threaten intrauterine malformations and abnormalities in the development of the fetus:

  • Up to 13-14 weeks, the reduced size of the organ may be evidence of an ectopic pregnancy.
  • In the second trimester, low rates of organ enlargement may indicate growth retardation (malnutrition) of the fetus, oligohydramnios, placental insufficiency (against the background of infectious diseases of the mother), preeclampsia.
  • In the later stages, a reduced WDM index accompanies the transverse presentation of the fetus, sometimes this is observed with a wide pelvis of the mother.

The height of the fundus of the uterus by weeks of pregnancy is assessed in order to understand how the fetus develops, its mass, possible high water and low water are determined. Such a diagnostic study is carried out starting from the second trimester, when the child is actively growing inside the womb. In the very first months, measurements are made using a vaginal examination.

What is BMD during pregnancy

VDM in pregnant women is a diagnostic parameter that assesses the height of the uterus in dynamics. The distance along the vertical line of the abdomen is measured from the top point of the internal organ to the pubic bone. Measurements are taken from week 13 at each examination, in order to then assess the increasing dynamic rate of growth and formation of the fetus.

Initially, the internal organ is located behind the pelvic bone, as the baby develops, it rounds and begins to go to the center, acquiring a symmetrical shape. But by the third trimester, the uterus stretches, becomes more oval, the fibers lengthen and thicken, a unique vascular network is formed.
WDM during pregnancy should be approximately equal to the gestation period. Therefore, calculations can be based on these parametric features.

BMR rate by weeks of pregnancy

The standing height parameter is determined from the second trimester, since it is not possible to measure this figure before this period. The internal organ is so small (at 8-9 weeks. The size of a goose egg) that it has not yet gone beyond the limits of the small pelvis.

By the end of the third month, the uterus gradually rises and has a size of about 11 centimeters. In the fourth month, the baby completes the formation of organs and active growth begins, the parameter will be about 14 cm.

VDM indicators during pregnancy are strictly individual and are assessed only over time. When making a diagnosis, heredity and the physiological structure of a woman are taken into account. The rate can vary from 2 to 3 cm.

How is the height of the fundus of the uterus measured during pregnancy

It is not difficult to independently determine the height of the fundus of the uterus. First of all, it is required to empty the bladder so as not to distort the measurement parameters.
  1. Measure the parameters while lying on a hard surface.
  2. In order to measure, it is required to grope over the pubic bone the border of the transition from the hard state of the bone tissue to the soft one.
  3. A measuring tape is applied to the bottom point and along the white line of the abdomen they move upward, also to the transition from dense to soft, which will be the bottom.
A single measurement of WDM and coolant (abdominal circumference) are not indicative. Systematic weekly measurements are required to assess fetal development and growth. In the presence of significant deviations from the norm in dynamics, in order to diagnose the pathology, additional studies are needed.

BMD table during pregnancy by week

The table allows you to compare normal indicators with individual parameters:
Pregnancy period (weeks) Height (cm) Coolant (cm)
14 8 -
18 12-19 -
20 18-21 70-74
22 22-23 72-77
24 23-25 76-80
26 26-28 78-82
28 27-30 80-84
30 28-31 82-86
32 30-32 84-88
34 31-33 86-90
36 32-35 88-92
38 36-38 90-94
40 38-40 94-100

If the height of the fundus of the uterus does not correspond to the gestational age, then the decoding cannot be based only on these numbers. The standards were created in order to suspect a pathology and carry out further diagnostic measures.

When determining vdm at the beginning of the first trimester, the uterus should come out from behind the pubic bone, if this has not happened, then there is a suspicion of an ectopic pregnancy when the egg is fertilized in the fallopian tube. Further, the decrease indicates hypotrophy - developmental delay, oligohydramnios, or speaks of transverse presentation.

If the uterus is high, then more than one child may develop inside the mother's womb, a large fetus, or polyhydramnios. Rarely, with overestimated rates, chorionepithelioma (a tumor in the tissues of the placenta) can be diagnosed, which threatens the life of the baby.

After 38 weeks, the abdominal circumference falls, the child sinks to the neck, he prepares to go through the birth canal and be born. In case of early reduction, additional studies should be performed in order to detect pathologies or infectious foci that affect gestation.