Growth scan at 32 weeks and baby is on the 3rd centile. I'm freaking out a bit...

[AmeliaEarhart]

The hospital where I'm having my antenatal care offers 3rd trimester growth scans as standard. I had mine last week and was told that the baby was on the small side and that I'd need a follow-up scan in 2 weeks to monitor her growth. Initially I wasn't too worried, but today I stupidly did some googling and found an article on the babycentre website that said that babies below the 5th centile meant IUGR, and went on to list all the possible causes and potential health and developmental problems. Now I'm quietly panicking, even though the pregnancy has been very straightforward so far. My fundal height measurements have been spot on and the sonographer told me the placenta is healthy, fluid levels are normal etc.

Has anyone else been in the same situation? What was the outcome?

[SweetPea3]

I'm afraid I can't be of help, but thought I'd give this a bump for you. Good luck and try to stay away from Dr Google! x

[DawnOfTheDee]

My SIL had regular growth scans as her LO was thought to be on the 5th centile. The scans were to check that baby was still growing and the placenta was still doing it's job basically. If it wasn't they would have looked to induced early.

As it was baby was still growing....it was just small. DNeice arrived 3 days before due date weighing 5lb 5oz (so about what they predicted). She was absolutely fine and healthy. They kept SIL & DN in hospital for 4 days though to make sure feeding was established well and baby started to put on weight.

They are now at home and very happy. No health or developmental problems - some babies are just small!

Please try not to worry (easier said than done i know!) - the positive thing is they are keeping an eye on things so they'll be prepared to give you and baby the care you need.

[CornishKK]

DS and DD both had abnormal growth scans, DS was too small with an abdomen that was too large, DD was too small with too much amniotic fluid - I was in and out of hospital for monitoring every other day for the last month of my pregnancy with DD.

Both of them are absolutely fine, DD was only 5.5 pounds at birth but she's a lot like my Mum/sister - petite. DS is currently practicing karate moves on imaginary crocodiles - nothing wrong with him

It's a worrying time, I'd convinced myself that there were serious health concerns with both of mine, hard not to. Google is not your friend!

Try to keep calm, it's likely to be nothing of concern. Good luck.

[AmeliaEarhart]

Thank you for your lovely reassuring replies - I love mumsnet in a crisis!

Googling was daft, wasn't it? I have a 22 month old DS who was on the 50th centile at his 3rd trimester scan, and sure enough was a very average 7lbs 12oz at birth. The sonographer seemed to think this was an additional cause for concern as apparently it's unusual to have a small baby after having a 'normal' sized one. She did concede that sisters are often smaller than their brothers though (this baby is definitely a girl).

The next scan is on the 17th, which seems ages away. I feel a little guilty because this pregnancy has been so easy, and I've been so busy with work and DS that there are days when I barely remember that she's in there (although she kicks and wriggles all the time). I've been taking it for granted that everything would continue to be straightforward.

Anyway, it's nice to hear your stories of petite but healthy babies

[SirBoobAlot]

Don't consult google, and don't be feeling guilty for having an easy pregnancy! Really, that's mothers guilt. And totally unfounded.

FWIW there were worries over DS measuring small - as it was he was born at 7lb9oz, perfectly fine and healthy. So try not to take it too much to heart.