How accurate are the doctors when they tell you a due date judging by fundal height?

Fundal height measurements are used to estimate the gestational age of a fetus during pregnancy. While they can provide a general idea of how far along a pregnancy is, they are not as precise as other methods, such as an ultrasound.

The accuracy of fundal height measurements depends on several factors, including:

* The skill of the healthcare provider: The accuracy of fundal height measurements can vary depending on the experience and skill of the healthcare provider performing the measurement.

* The position of the fetus: The position of the fetus can affect the accuracy of fundal height measurements. For example, if the fetus is lying with its back towards the front of the mother's abdomen, the measurement may be slightly larger than if the fetus is lying in a different position.

* The amount of amniotic fluid: The amount of amniotic fluid can also affect the accuracy of fundal height measurements. For example, if there is too much or too little amniotic fluid, the measurement may be off.

* The mother's body type: The mother's body type can also affect the accuracy of fundal height measurements. For example, women who are overweight or obese may have difficulty with this method of measuring.

In general, fundal height measurements are most accurate between 24 and 36 weeks of pregnancy. Before 24 weeks, the uterus is still too small to be measured accurately, and after 36 weeks, the uterus can sometimes be difficult to distinguish from other abdominal organs.

Overall, fundal height measurements can provide a useful estimate of gestational age, but they are not as precise as other methods, such as an ultrasound.