simple knitting help

[boarderchick1979]

Hi There, wonder if someone can help, when it says 'continue until front measures' however many cm's etc - do they mean to include the ribbing/waistband aswell? (this is on a soaker pattern for a wool nappy) I am sure this is pretty standard to include the measurments for the waist band, but it's been many years since I have used my needles lol and I have forgotten.
Any help would be great thanks x
Jo