Prenatal Care for You and Your Growing Baby!

Abstract

In prenatal care (which simply means, “before birth”), your doctor will track your overall health and baby’s health by talking to you, and with lab tests and a physical exam. These doctor’s visits are very important. One way the doctor will measure your baby’s growth is through a measurement of your growing belly, called “symphysis-fundal height (SFH) measurement”. This is an inexpensive and easy screening tool for fetal growth (an important measure of fetal health). Your doctor will also feel your belly for your baby’s position and fluid around your baby. If your doctor has any concerns about your baby’s growth, she will refer you to have an ultrasound and help you through the process of looking at those results. These measures of your baby’s growth aren’t 100% accurate and your doctor will use all parts of your story and exam to decide how best to help you and your baby.