Small Belly in Pregnant Women Means the Baby is Small, Really?
Every pregnant woman has a different belly size. Some look small and some look big. He said, if the belly of a pregnant woman is small, it is a sign that she is carrying a baby who is also small. Is this information correct?
The belly of pregnant women only starts to stand out at the age of 16-20 weeks of pregnancy. The size of the belly of pregnant women is influenced by many factors, ranging from gestational age, the proportions of the mother's body, to the presence of certain pregnancy conditions.
The Relationship Between Pregnant Mother's Stomach Size and Fetus
The idea that a pregnant woman has a small stomach means that she is carrying a small baby is not correct. The shape and size of a pregnant woman's abdomen cannot be used as a benchmark for the size of the fetus. It also cannot be a benchmark for fetal health.
As previously explained, the size of a pregnant woman's stomach is influenced by many factors, namely:
- gestational age
- Strong and toned abdominal muscles due to regular exercise or abdominal exercises before and during pregnancy
- Height and weight of pregnant women
- Fetal position and weight
- Primigravida (first pregnancy) or multigravida (second pregnancy or later)
- Too little amniotic fluid (oligohydramnios) or too much (polyhydramnios)
If a small stomach during pregnancy is triggered by oligohydramnios, treatment must be done immediately to reduce the risk of preterm labor, low birth weight babies, or cesarean delivery.
What to Do if Your Belly Looks Small
If pregnant women have a small stomach, now you don't have to worry anymore, okay? As long as the doctor says that the baby's growth and development is fine, pregnant women don't have to worry about this.
In addition, during pregnancy it is not the size of the abdomen that will be measured, but the height of the uterine fundus (TFU). Uterine fundal height or uterine height is one easy way to see the suitability of fetal growth with gestational age. This measurement is done by measuring the distance between the pubic bone and the top of the mother's uterus. The size of the uterine fundus according to gestational age is as follows:- Before 12 weeks of gestation, the uterine fundus is not visible
- At 12 weeks of gestation, the uterine fundus is 1–2 fingers above the symphysis pubis (the joint that connects the pubic bone)
- At 16 weeks of gestation, the uterine fundus is in the middle of the symphysis and the navel (umbilicus)
- At 20 weeks of gestation, the uterine fundus is 3 fingers below the navel
- 24 weeks of gestation, uterine fundus at navel level
- 28 weeks of gestation, uterine fundus is 3–4 above the navel
- At 32 weeks of gestation, the uterine fundus is halfway between the navel and the tip of the sternum (processus xipoideus)
- 36 weeks of gestation, the uterine fundus is 3–4 fingers below the tip of the sternum
- At 40 weeks of gestation, the uterine fundus is halfway between the navel and the tip of the sternum
In addition to measuring the height of the uterus, to ensure the growth and development of the fetus, pregnant women also need to undergo ultrasound. Through this examination, pregnant women can find out the position of the fetus and the amount of amniotic fluid.
The most important thing for pregnant women to do is to regularly check their pregnancy at least once a month to the doctor. Regular check-ups with the doctor can also help pregnant women to anticipate abnormalities or pregnancy problems that may occur.
Label : Health
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