Pregnant women, beyond issues related to nutrition, physical activity, and rest, are also concerned about the health of the fetus, especially regarding height and weight. Understanding height and weight standards helps mothers monitor their baby’s development and plan prenatal care for a healthy start. Below is a chart of fetal height and weight by week for reference.
Factors Influencing Fetal Height and Weight
Nutrition
While in the mother’s womb, a baby’s height and weight are influenced by the mother’s nutritional intake. A balanced and nutritious diet supports healthy fetal development, while poor eating habits or nutrient deficiencies can negatively impact the baby’s growth, potentially leading to low birth weight and height.
Genetic Factors
Parental genetics play a role in determining a baby’s weight and height. Although not the sole determining factor, understanding genetic influences can guide maternal nutrition and care choices.
Additional Factors
Other factors affecting fetal height and weight include maternal health conditions, maternal body composition, congenital fetal abnormalities, umbilical cord issues, multiple pregnancies, and maternal weight gain during pregnancy.
It is possible to measure the height and weight of a fetus while still in the mother’s womb.
Fetal Height and Weight Chart by Week
During the initial weeks of development, the fetus is extremely small, often appearing as a tiny dot on the ultrasound screen until around week 8 when doctors typically measure fetal length and weight using ultrasound. Below is a standard chart of fetal weight and height by gestational week:
| Weeks | Height | Weight (Approx) |
|---|---|---|
| Week 8 | 0.63 inches | 0.035 – 0.35 ounces |
| Week 9 | 0.91 inches | 0.035 – 0.35 ounces |
| Week 10 | 1.22 inches | 0.035 – 0.35 ounces |
| Week 11 | 1.61 inches | 0.18 – 0.24 ounces |
| Week 12 | 2.13 inches | 0.18 – 0.24 ounces |
| Week 13 | 2.91 inches | 0.18 – 0.24 ounces |
| Week 14 | 3.43 inches | 0.18 – 0.24 ounces |
| Week 15 | 3.98 inches | 0.24 ounces |
| Week 16 | 4.57 inches | 0.35 ounces |
| Week 17 | 5.12 inches | 0.49 ounces |
| Week 18 | 5.59 inches | 0.67 ounces |
| Week 19 | 6.02 inches | 0.84 ounces |
| Week 20 | 6.46 inches | 1.05 ounces |
| Week 21 | 10.08 inches | 1.27 ounces |
| Week 22 | 10.94 inches | 1.51 ounces |
| Week 23 | 11.38 inches | 1.76 ounces |
| Week 24 | 11.81 inches | 2.11 ounces |
| Week 25 | 13.62 inches | 1.16 pounds |
| Week 26 | 14.02 inches | 1.68 pounds |
| Week 27 | 14.41 inches | 1.93 pounds |
| Week 28 | 14.80 inches | 2.23 pounds |
| Week 29 | 15.20 inches | 2.54 pounds |
| Week 30 | 15.71 inches | 2.91 pounds |
| Week 31 | 16.18 inches | 3.31 pounds |
| Week 32 | 16.69 inches | 3.75 pounds |
| Week 33 | 17.20 inches | 4.23 pounds |
| Week 34 | 17.72 inches | 4.74 pounds |
| Week 35 | 18.19 inches | 5.29 pounds |
| Week 36 | 18.66 inches | 5.80 pounds |
| Week 37 | 19.13 inches | 6.29 pounds |
| Week 38 | 19.61 inches | 6.76 pounds |
| Week 39 | 19.96 inches | 7.25 pounds |
| Week 40 | 20.16 inches | 7.63 pounds |
How is the height and weight of the fetus calculated?
The height and weight of the fetus are primarily measured through ultrasound. The specific measurement method varies throughout each trimester as follows:
- 1 – 3 months into pregnancy: Height is measured from head to buttocks.
- 2 – 3 months into the second trimester: Measurements include the length of the thigh bone, biparietal diameter, and abdominal circumference. These measurements are then used in specific algorithms to calculate the weight.
- The final 3 months of pregnancy: Weight is calculated using measurements such as abdominal circumference, head circumference, biparietal diameter, thigh bone length, and transverse abdominal diameter.
The fetus develops week by week/month by month throughout the pregnancy.
How is a pregnant woman’s height and weight measured?
The weight of an expectant mother is always a matter of concern throughout pregnancy as it influences the development of the baby’s height and weight. Over the course of the 9 months and 10 days of pregnancy, a mother’s body weight will increase to a certain extent. Depending on the mother’s dietary habits and her body’s nutrient absorption mechanisms, the rate of weight gain can vary. Unstable weight gain or abnormal weight gain during pregnancy can potentially harm the fetus.
According to obstetric specialists, during pregnancy, a mother should only gain around 22-26 pounds, which is considered sufficient. In the case of carrying twins or multiples, the recommended weight gain might be around 35-44 pounds. It’s important for expectant mothers to note that excessive weight gain can increase the risk of gestational diabetes and other health issues. Conversely, insufficient weight gain can lead to inadequate nutrition for the developing fetus.
Therefore, expectant mothers should aim to gain a maximum of 4.4 pounds during the first trimester, or as advised by their healthcare provider. From weeks 14 to 28, a gradual weight gain of about 1.1 pounds per week is recommended, with a slightly reduced rate of gain (around 0.44-0.66 pounds) for overweight mothers.
Read more: Is it advisable to use growth hormones for height increase?
What should pregnant women pay attention to for a healthy fetus?
The growth of the fetus is greatly influenced by the pregnant mother’s diet and rest. Therefore, during pregnancy, mothers need to pay attention to their daily habits. Pregnant women should consider the following factors to ensure the health of the fetus throughout the pregnancy:
- Maintain a balanced and nutritious diet to achieve appropriate weight gain.
- Engage in moderate physical activity and avoid strenuous labor.
- Get enough sleep and have adequate rest.
- Manage stress and avoid overexertion.
- Stay away from environments with smoke, dust, and harmful substances.
- Attend prenatal check-ups at important milestones and follow the doctor’s schedule for monitoring the fetus’s condition.
Mothers eat scientifically for the health of the fetus.
9 months and 10 days of pregnancy mark a significant period in any mother’s life. Despite the many changes that occur in the body during this time, the healthy birth of your baby will be a well-deserved reward. We hope this article has helped expectant mothers understand the important factors that influence the development of their baby’s height and weight week by week, enabling them to plan for proper healthcare during pregnancy.
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