Bump measuring 4 weeks small

[ellesabe]

I'm 36+1 weeks and measuring 32 so have a scan booked for tomorrow to check baby.
I'm assuming everything is fine as the heartbeat is ok and baby is moving lots, but I wondered what reasons there could be for my small bump and what they're likely to do about it...
For example, is it worth taking my hospital bag with us just in case I have to stay in or if they decide to get things moving? They can't induce me because of a previous emcs so I suppose they would do an elcs if they had any reason to.

Hmmmm....trying not to worry!

[BoysBoysBoysAndMe]

Try not to worry.

There's no need to take a bag, they won't be whipping baby out immediately if there's anything wrong.

It may just be the baby is lying.

I'm glad pure being sent for a scan though, to check what's going on. Hope it goes well tomorrow. Let us know how you get on.

[sammyleh]

Dont panic :) Same thing happened to me. I'm 39 weeks and had an extra appointment this week because since week 36, I've been measuring at 34 weeks. MW wasn't overly concerned because she said that it could be due to a number of things. Baby engaging can make you measure smaller, and also different midwives measuring differently and sometimes not as accurately. I wouldn't worry about it. At this appointment, I measured spot on for 39 weeks and despite one MW telling me i wouldn't be having a big baby, this next one has just told me I might be. I'm taking it all with a pinch of salt x

[CailinDana]

It could be IUGR - intrauterine growth restriction which can be caused by a few things such as placenta problems or pre-eclampsia. Or it could just be that you carry in such a way that your bump is quite small, so I wouldn't worry just yet. At 36+1, even if the baby does need to be delivered, he/she isn't likely to suffer prematurity complications.

If they do want to deliver they'll more than likely book you in for another day so it might not be necessary to bring a bag, but you could stick one in the boot of the car just in case.

The fact that they didn't send you for an immediate scan would say to me that they're not hugely concerned. I hope it all goes well tomorrow.

[Spatsky]

I measured about the same as you at the same time and had a 9lb baby. The bump measuring isn't at all accurate as to baby size so no need to panic at this stage in my experience. You're getting a scan so that will give you a much clearer picture. Good luck.

[3duracellbunnies]

I measured small with dd1 and she came out large, with ds again I measured small, after having dd1 they did a scan to check and he was big, but very little fluid. Induced next day 39+4, to avoid complications as his movement had slowed too and he was absolutely fine but 12lb more than on scan day before! Dd2 on the other hand was just small. Pleased that they are checking it out as with dd1 they said it was just because I was short. Don't be too concerned but at that gestation probably best to have hospital bag packed and ready at home anyway, you don't want to risk dh bringing in your sexy underwear!

[ellesabe]

Thanks everyone. It's really useful to hear from others who have had the same. I'm not really worried, but last pg my bump was massive so this is a surprise turn of events!

Will let you know how we get on. It has certainly made me realise just how imminent everything is!

[ellesabe]

So after 90 minutes hanging around in the waiting room, I wasn't even scanned! The registrar re-measured me, felt my bump and said I was fine!

Apparently the midwife who measured me the other day hadn't taken into account the fact that the head is half engaged

[BoysBoysBoysAndMe]

That's great news for you and baby though op.

Glad it's turned out well

[Spatsky]

Great news!

My daughter was engaged early too,I guess that explains my small bump too.