Baby bumps come in all different shapes and sizes. So while it can be difficult, try not to compare your baby bump to anyone else’s. No two women or two pregnancies are the same. Your baby’s health is the main priority and your midwife will measure your baby’s growth as part of your antenatal care to check that everything is OK.
You can talk to your midwife at any time if you are concerned about how your baby is growing.
How is a baby's growth measured in pregnancy?
Your midwife will ask you to lie down and will measure from the top of your bump to the top of your pubic bone using a tape measure. These measurements should be taken at each antenatal visit from around 24 weeks.
The measurement should be within 2cm of the number of weeks you are pregnant. For example, when you're 30 weeks pregnant, your measurement should be somewhere between 28cm and 32cm. This will depend on:
- your height and weight in early pregnancy
- how many children you’ve had
- your ethnicity.
How can the midwife or doctor tell if the baby is not growing?
Your baby’s growth is written in your antenatal notes either as a measurement (written down as fundal height’ (FH) or symphysis-fundal height (SFH)) or plotted on a chart through your pregnancy. This chart can show the midwives if there is a steady incline, no growth or decline in the growth.
Many hospitals are now using personalised growth charts and marking your measurements on these. This makes checks on the baby’s growth more accurate.
You can always ask your midwife if you’d like to know how your baby’s growth is being monitored.
When should I talk to a doctor about my bump not getting bigger in pregnancy?
Call your midwife if you are concerned that your bump isn’t getting bigger and ask for an extra antenatal appointment to be measured.
Call your midwife or maternity unit at the hospital immediately if you feel your bump isn’t getting any bigger AND your baby’s movements have slowed down. Your baby moving normally is a sign that they are well. You should be offered a scan and extra monitoring.
If your measurements are outside of the normal range, or if you still feel worried that your bump is too small, your midwife should recommend an ultrasound scan called a growth scan.
This will show the baby’s growth more clearly. If the scan shows the baby is growing normally, this is more accurate than the measurements.
If the scan shows that your baby isn’t getting bigger you will be referred to a consultant. This means you will have all your antenatal appointments at the hospital and you will see a midwife and a consultant. If they are concerned about your baby’s growth you may have more growth scans.
Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), also known as fetal growth restriction (FGR)
Intrauterine growth restriction is a condition where the baby’s growth slows or stops during pregnancy. It is often caused by problems with the placenta that restrict oxygen and blood going to your baby. There is no 'treatment' for IUGR. Instead you will have a management plan. If IUGR is suspected, you will have regular scans to look at the baby’s growth. Find out more about intrauterine growth restriction
Being aware of your baby's movements is important
If your midwife or doctor has told you that your baby may not be growing as they should, it is very important to monitor your baby's pattern of movements because they are a sign that your baby is well. If your baby is not getting enough oxygen they may move less to conserve their energy. If you notice a change, report it to your midwife or doctor immediately. Read more about movements here.
Sources
Perinantal Institute for Maternal and child health. Fetal Growth https://perinatal.org.uk/FetalGrowth/fetalgrowth.aspx
Sue Macdonald and Gail Johnson (2017) Mayes’ Midwifery, Edinburgh: Baillir̈e Tindall Elsevier
Hide detailsRead more
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Discharge in pregnancy
Having more vaginal discharge during pregnancy is common, but speak to your midwife or doctor if you are unsure about any increase or change in your vaginal discharge.
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Swollen hands and feet in pregnancy
Swelling or puffiness of your hands and feet is common in late pregnancy.
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Itching in pregnancy
Some itching around the stomach is normal as your skin is stretching around your growing baby.
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My midwife isn't listening
If you feel your midwife isn’t listening to you, you can ask to see another member of the team.
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I just think something is wrong
If you feel that something is wrong, or if you are worried about the baby, call your midwife or doctor to talk about it.
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Painful urination in pregnancy
If you have a painful or burning sensation when you wee (urinate), you may have a urinary tract infection (UTI)
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Vision problems in pregnancy
Vision problems can be caused by different issues in pregnancy. If you have vision problems always tell your midwife or hospital straight away.
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Headaches in pregnancy
Mild headaches can be caused by hormones and are common in pregnancy.
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High temperature in pregnancy
If your temperature is above 37.5 degrees Celsius, even with no other flu or cold symptoms, call your doctor or hospital maternity unit.
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Diarrhoea and vomiting in pregnancy
Stomach bugs are common in pregnancy. It is very unlikely that your baby will be harmed from a bug lasting less than 48 hours.
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Baby movements in pregnancy
Fetal movements can be anything from a flutter, kick, swish or roll. Feeling your baby move is a sign that they are well.
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Bleeding in pregnancy
If you have any bleeding during your pregnancy, with or without pain, it’s very important to get it checked out.
ℹLast reviewed on September 28th, 2018. Next review date September 28th, 2018.
Comments
Please note that these comments are monitored but not answered by Tommy’s. Please call your GP or maternity unit if you have concerns about your health or your baby’s health.
My baby is not growing
By Noor ul huda (not verified) on 1 Sep 2018 - 08:02
My baby is not growing after 7 weeks dr said to me go for dnc and i had little bleeding ..but it was just spotting.
8 months pragnent but the scan said that im not prag
By colly (not verified) on 21 May 2018 - 16:39
my baby is playing every day wat im i suppose to do i even go to the doctor but stel no luck
8 months pragnent but the scan said that im not prag
By Midwife @Tommys on 24 May 2018 - 09:33
Hi Colly, Thank you for your comment.
It is difficult to understand what you are trying to explain. If you have had a scan sand there is no baby seen then you are not pregnant, but you are feeling something? It would be advisable that you need to go and see your doctor again and explain how you are feeling, it may not be a pregnancy but they will need to investigate into what your are experiencing. Hope this helps, take care, Tommy's Midwives x
18 weeks pregnant tummy not growing
By Rosemary (not verified) on 30 Apr 2018 - 06:52
No movements, belly not growing is there any problem its my firstborn .never experienced how a child kicks inside womb and am becoming impatient.
18 weeks pregnant tummy not growing
By Midwife @Tommys on 1 May 2018 - 09:44
Hi Rosemary,
Thanks for posting. It is normal with your first pregnancy to feel movement any time between 16-24 weeks. With first time Mums it might be later in this time frame compared to women who have had babies before and feel movements closer to 16 weeks in subsequent pregnancies.
Have you had a scan yet? Are you due to have a second scan in the next few weeks.
If you lie down do you notice that your belly is a little bigger? Dependent on your build some women don't have any obvious bump until later in pregnancy.
If you are fit and well and have not had any pain or bleeding it is likely that your baby is growing well and you will soon be feeling some irregular flutters. The link below will help you to know what is normal movement after 24 weeks.
https://www.tommys.org/pregnancy-information/symptom-checker/baby-moving-less/movements-matter-raising-awareness-fetal-movements
I hope this helps. Please stay in touch
Anna-Tommy's Midwife
one of my baby is not growing
By jossy (not verified) on 26 Apr 2018 - 21:49
pls what can I do.Am 10weeks pregnant and I went for scanning today. The doctor said one of the babies is not growing but the other is okay.pls what is the solutions to this.thanks
Hi - Thank you for your
By Midwife @Tommys on 27 Apr 2018 - 09:28
Hi - Thank you for your message. I'm so sorry to hear that you have been given difficult news. In order to advise I would need to bit more information, so please get in touch with us via email [email protected] or on our Pregnancyline 08000147800.
Pregnancy
By Grace Alheri Solomon (not verified) on 8 Mar 2018 - 16:59
l am 4 months pregnant,no symptom,bump it not growing,babies is kicking well,but am bleeding.
Pregnancy
By Midwife @Tommys on 9 Mar 2018 - 11:27
Hi Grace, If you are bleeding we would suggest that you are seen as soon as possible by a doctor or health professional. Best wishes
6 months pregnant
By Mina Kollie (not verified) on 6 Mar 2018 - 13:36
6 months pregnant and my stomach looks like I'm two months pregnant. There's no weight gain and my baby moves a lot. I'm why is my stomach not growing? People hardly believe me when I tell them that I'm 6 months pregnant because my tummy appears normal.
6 months pregnant
By Midwife @Tommys on 7 Mar 2018 - 09:49
Hi Mina
Every baby bump is different. Try not to worry about having a petite bump- your midwife should be measuring your bump each time you go for a check up. If these measurements were not following the expected growth pattern, then you would be sent for additional growth scans.
Please do speak to your midwife about the measurements when you next are seen or before if you are still concerned.
All the best
Sophie,Tommy's Midwife
I am 4 month pregnant d baby
By hi I am Jenifer (not verified) on 3 Mar 2018 - 05:53
I am 4 month pregnant d baby 5 month by 12 but my belly is still not growing as my first $ second born but I fell d heart beat but not moving shld I worry myself ?
I am 4 month pregnant d baby
By Midwife @Tommys on 5 Mar 2018 - 13:14
Hi Jenifer,
I am a little unclear from your message how many weeks or months pregnant you are however up until 24 weeks, baby's movements can vary however beyond this time then we would advise that most babies settle into a pattern and to monitor them throughout the pregnancy. Every pregnancy is different when it comes to how big your bump is, your midwife should be measuring your bump at each antenatal appointment from about 24 weeks, and if your midwife has any concerns then they will refer you for a scan. I hope this helps but do speak with your midwife if you have further concerns. Best wishes, Tommy's midwives.
by midwife @tommys
By Peace (not verified) on 12 Feb 2018 - 14:13
I am 24 weeks old pregnant and smallish. my bump is small and am worried
by midwife @tommys
By Midwife @Tommys on 14 Feb 2018 - 10:37
Hi Peace
Every pregnancy is different and so to are how women carry their pregnancies. If your 20 week scan was normal and your midwife has measured your bump at each appointment and your uterus is growing according to how many weeks gestation you are, then there is no reason to be concerned.
If you are concerned about fetal growth, then you can go into your maternity triage for review.
Sophie,Tommy's Midwife
Tummy not growing
By Chidinma (not verified) on 11 Feb 2018 - 06:55
Please am 16weeks old at my first trimester I had a blotted tummy just for it to start going down at 15weeks am I suppose to worry
Tummy not growing
By Midwife @Tommys on 14 Feb 2018 - 10:35
Hi Chidinma
Every pregnancy is different and women carry them differently too.
If your scans have so far been normal and your midwife has measured your tummy and found your uterus to be growing according to the gestation, then there is no reason for concern.
Please do go into your maternity triage for review if you are concerned and need more reassurance.
All the best
Sophie,Tommy's Midwife
am 15 weeks with my second
By Krystal (not verified) on 8 Feb 2018 - 13:04
am 15 weeks with my second and my belly not growing and I was showing when my first child was this weeks,dont feel any movement as yet either .appointment in few days but am very worried
am 15 weeks with my second
By Midwife @Tommys on 9 Feb 2018 - 15:46
Hi Krystal,
I am sorry to hear that you are feel anxious at the moment. It is completely normal to have not yet felt any movements at this stage in pregnancy so please try not to worry. It is great to hear that you have a midwife appointment in the next few days so you can discuss your concerns with them, however women do present differently in pregnancy and some show earlier than others. If you have had any bleeding or pain then do call your midwife to be reviewed or if you have any other concerns. Best wishes, Tommy's midwives.
Baby not growing
By Rose (not verified) on 9 Jan 2018 - 12:07
Hi, am 26 weeks pregnant my baby can move only on the right side and is breach, today was my appointment and the doctor said the baby is not growing and he is sending me to the specialist, the heartbeat is normal and am eating well, is there something that can be causing this, my blood pressure is on and off
Baby not growing
By Midwife @Tommys on 10 Jan 2018 - 11:47
Hi Rose
It might be best for you to call us on 0800 0147800 to talk this through in more detail as i do not have enough information to be able to guide you on this.
You should have been sent further and regular growth scans, as well as being referred for consultant led care in your hospital. Please do get in touch so that we can chat through your concerns in more detail. Sophie,Tommy's Midwife
Misleading
By Anna May (not verified) on 7 Jan 2018 - 10:32
I’m 20 weeks pregnant and no one has measured my bump so far at any appointment so I think your information is out-of-date.
Also private scans in London cost around £100, not £200. This should be updated.
Misleading
By Midwife @Tommys on 8 Jan 2018 - 16:56
Hi Thank you for your comments. It does seem that the cost of scans has come down and we will look to alter this on the site. Measurement of fundal height is a requirement from 24 weeks. If this is misleading we will look to alter this too. Many thanks
My midwife said am four
By Anonymous (not verified) on 10 Dec 2017 - 14:11
My midwife said am four months pregnant but my belly is not growing , please what can I do.
My midwife said am four
By Midwife @Tommys on 13 Dec 2017 - 13:04
Hi, Thank you for your comment.
If you are concerned about your baby's growth then we would recommend that you get checked over. You can always call your midwife or call your antenatal day assessment unit at the hospital. They will be able to measure your bump and if they are concerned, they will do an ultrasound scan to measure the baby's growth. It can be normal not too look that pregnant at this stage, as baby is still small but as the pregnancy progresses then you will start to get more of a bump, but please get checked over if you are worried. Take care of yourself, Tommy's Midwives x
my belly is not growing
By portia (not verified) on 6 Dec 2017 - 06:03
my belly is not growing but I can fill the baby movement and I'm 5months pregnant
my belly is not growing
By Midwife @Tommys on 6 Dec 2017 - 09:46
Hi Portia.
Congratulations on your pregnancy. If you are concerned about your babies growth then please get in touch with your midwife. If you feel that this is urgent, you can also go to your local maternity unit's labour ward, triage, day assessment unit to be seen urgently and have your bump measured and maybe an Ultrasound scan if the measurements are not usual for the gestation. Please take good care of yourself!
Sophie, Tommy's midwife
Baby growth
By Veanka (not verified) on 1 Dec 2017 - 02:00
So I am 32 weeks iam hospital atm as my baby hasn't changed his weight in the three scans I have had but they say they want to see if they can keep him in for another week or so but I have a o e year old and he is Cleary not growing at all how do I convince them to just take him out help plz
Baby growth
By Midwife @Tommys on 1 Dec 2017 - 11:51
Hi,
I am sorry to hear that you are in hospital and there are concerns about your baby at the moment. Where there are concerns, it is a balance as to where the baby is safest, either still in you or being born. Whilst the doctors deem it safe, they will try to prolong your pregnancy as much as possible. It is important to monitor your baby's movements very carefully and if they reduce or change at all then let the midwife know straight away. If you have any questions then do ask the doctors who should be reviewing you regularly.
Am 5month old my baby is not growing
By Joy (not verified) on 19 Nov 2017 - 15:19
Pls help me my baby is not growing
Am 5 month old my baby is not growing.
By Midwife @Tommys on 20 Nov 2017 - 09:55
Hi Joy.
You need to go to your maternity triage/labour ward/day assessment unit if you are concerned about the growth of your bump/baby. There,the midwife/obstetric doctor will be able to measure your bump and decide with your medical and obstetric history, if this is right for you and your baby. If they are concerned, they may send you for extra scans as the pregnancy progresses. Look after yourself!
bump growth
By Anna May (not verified) on 7 Nov 2017 - 16:50
I feel like my bump isn't getting bigger I just had a scan at 27 weeks and baby was measuring fine a week ahead though and next scan is at 32 weeks which is a week and half away but I have a feeling my bump hasn't grown much.
Congratulations on your
By Midwife @Tommys on 7 Nov 2017 - 17:14
Congratulations on your pregnancy and thank you for your message to Tommy's.
Whilst it is reassuring that your last scan recently showed that baby was measuring fine, if you are worried about baby's growth, please contact your local maternity unit or GP.
pregnancy
By bliss (not verified) on 29 Aug 2017 - 15:19
am 5months pregnant my belly bottom is only poping out.i can feel my baby movement.hope no problem?
pregnancy
By Midwife @Tommys on 30 Aug 2017 - 13:20
Hi bliss
it is quite normal for your belly button to "pop out" at this stage of pregnancy. And it is wonderful that you are feeling your baby move around lots. Fetal movements being frequent and active are a sign that the baby is happy and healthy. If you are ever concerned that the baby is moving less, then this would be a reason to get yourself to hospital to be checked over.
Please take good care of yourself
Tommy solution
By Midwife @Tommys on 9 Aug 2016 - 16:28
It is important that you are receiving regular antenatal care with a midwife or at the hospital. At these appointments the health professional should measure the height of your uterus between the top of your uterus and your pubic bone. If this measure is smaller than expected then you should be referred for a scan to check that the baby is growing well. If you have not seen anyone recently then I advise you to make an appointment as soon as possible. You should also be very aware of your baby's movements and if you notice a change or they reduce in anyway then go straight to the maternity unit to be review. If you would like to talk further please call us on 0800 0147 800 or email [email protected]
Tommy solution
By Anonymous (not verified) on 9 Aug 2016 - 14:41
I am 9months pregnant but my Tommy is just like a 4months old pregnancy. What do I do
Please talk to your midwife
By [email protected]'s on 16 Jun 2016 - 13:25
Please talk to your midwife or hospital about your concerns. If you would like to talk to a Tommy's midwife, they are available 9-5 Monday to Friday on 0800 0147 800. Kind regards, Tommy's
baby nothing
By sebongile (not verified) on 18 Aug 2017 - 08:24
Hlw.17 weeks pregnant but no symptoms.
Hi,
By Midwife @Tommys on 18 Aug 2017 - 10:32
Hi,
Please contact Tommy's Pregnancy Line on 0800 147 800.
pregnant
By Anonymous (not verified) on 14 Jun 2016 - 15:21
My baby is not growing
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