Q:
Why does the doctor measure my stomach with a tape measure at every visit?
A:
Your practitioner is checking the growth of your baby by measuring from the top of your pubic bone to the top of your uterus. As your pregnancy progresses, this distance should continue to increase. We use the metric system in obstetrics, so the measurement in centimeters usually correlates with the number of weeks you’re pregnant after the 20th week of pregnancy. In other words, a 25-centimeter measurement is expected of a woman who’s 25 weeks pregnant. Your doctor uses this measurement to monitor the growth of the baby. If this number slows down, he or she may suggest further testing.
Craig L. Bissinger M.D.
Our parenting advice is given as suggestions only. We recommend you also consult your healthcare provider, and urge you to contact them immediately if your question is urgent or about a medical condition.