How big can a uterus measure before labor starts?

Hi,
I am 31 weeks pregnant with b/g twins. All is going very well so far, but we had our checkup yesterday and my uterus measured at 41 weeks! 2 weeks ago, it was at 36 weeks. Our last US was at 30 weeks, and the twins are right on target for their age. I know that uterine size can be a factor in when labor starts, and I m wondering just how big a uterus can get before labor is inevitable. Anyone have any ideas? I didn't think to ask the OB before I left yesterday.
Thanks!

:blink:

 

I measured 44 weeks at 34 weeks, and that was my last measurement that was taken. I think Her Royal Jennyness measured something crazy like 56 :shok: , so I don't think it can be a determining factor in everyone's case. Hang in there!

 

You can get pretty darn big! LOL!! Most dr's don't depend too much on fundal heights with a twin pregnancy though. (at least thats what I was told!!) Its harder to get a good scope on what your fundal height truly is when you have twins or more. They tend to shift and move so that you could have a different fundal height every day. (I am not a professional but with my research this is what I found, so it may not be totally accurate)

I delivered at 36 weeks and was measuring 48 weeks!!! We ended up delivering early because I was truly out of space and they were worried about my uterus tearing due to my size and a previous c section. But I had another friend who was the same size as me (5'3") and she made it 40 weeks and was much larger than me in the end. It all depends on your body and how those babies are hanging out.

Good Luck! The end of your pregnancy will be here before you know it. Get ready for a fabulous time!

 

Thanks for both responses- I am reassured, was just unable to find anything anywhere else! I have also heard that it doesn't really mean anything in twin pregnancies, but was worried about how big they can get. Guess our bodies know what to do most of the time, huh?
Thanks again,
Susan

 

With my twins, I measured 50 at 30 weeks. My OB stopped measuring at this appt because her tape ended at 50. *lol* I delivered at 35 due to pre e.

 

I think my measurment was 56 or so at 38 weeks.

 

I've heard of a few ladies on here measuring in the 55-58 weeks range. I was measuring 47 weeks when I delivered at 35 weeks by c-section and you could tell by my failed induction that my uterus and cervix weren't anywhere near ready to deliver at that point.

 

My peri never measured my fundal height, but I don't know if there's a good answer on that one. It probably varies by person. My uterus wasn't handling things well at 16 weeks, and I know i didn't measure very big then. Actually, I never looked very pregnant but my uterus was always contracting.