Midwives check the growth and wellbeing of your baby at every antenatal appointment. They use a tape measure to work out the distance from the pubic bone to the top of the womb. They plot your baby’s growth on a chart to ensure he or she is continuing to grow.

Every baby is different and should grow to a the size that’s normal for him or her. But all babies should continue to grow steadily throughout the pregnancy. Some babies are naturally small, usually because their mothers are small. If a baby seems to be smaller than it should be, or his or her growth pattern tails off as the pregnancy continues, this is described as ‘growth restriction’, being ‘small for gestational age’ or not reaching his or her ‘growth potential’.

If a baby does not reach his or her growth potential in the womb this may be because the placenta is not working properly. This increases the risk of stillbirth.

Problems  with a baby’s growth should be picked up during antenatal appointments. However, it’s important to be aware of your baby’s movements in order to try to spot any problems as early as possible.