{"id":5326,"date":"2026-07-03T11:42:00","date_gmt":"2026-07-03T10:42:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/services.nhslothian.scot\/maternity\/?page_id=5326"},"modified":"2026-07-03T11:45:15","modified_gmt":"2026-07-03T10:45:15","slug":"pregnancy-care-knowing-when-a-baby-is-not-growing-as-well-as-expected","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/services.nhslothian.scot\/maternity\/pregnancy-care-knowing-when-a-baby-is-not-growing-as-well-as-expected\/","title":{"rendered":"Pregnancy care: knowing when a baby is not growing as well as expected"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

What this is about<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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During your pregnancy, your midwife will do routine checks and take measurements of your stomach to understand how well your baby is growing. If these measurements suggest that your baby may not be growing as expected, you will be offered closer monitoring and, in some cases, planning for an early birth might be recommended.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What we are doing:<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

At your first appointment, your midwife will ask you a few questions to help decide if you should be offered additional checks and scans.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

From 24 weeks of pregnancy your midwife will check how your baby is growing by measuring your bump with a tape measure at each appointment; this measurement is known as the Symphysis Fundal Height (SFH).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The measurement is recorded or \u2018plotted\u2019 on a paper chart in your blue notes, where you and your midwife can see if your baby is growing as expected.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You might see a sticker saying: \u201cMeasure, Plot, Where\u2019s the Dot?\u201d on your notes. This is to remind everybody of the importance of checking your baby\u2019s growth.<\/p>\n\n\n

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\"Measure<\/a><\/svg><\/span><\/a><\/div><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

How this helps you<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If your midwife has any concerns about your baby\u2019s growth from this measurement, you will be offered an ultrasound scan within 72 hours. If the scan confirms that your baby is not growing as expected, your midwife and doctor will discuss with you what additional care can be offered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Our progress<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n