Measuring very big for dates, worried!

[NewbieT]

Hello,

I'm 24 weeks with my second and at yesterday's midwife appointment, was measuring 30cm. They're seeing me at the hospital on Monday to investigate more. Would appreciate any input from anyone with similar experience, eg what can I expect on Monday? What could cause it? I had antibiotics for a UTI two wks ago but nothing indicating diabetes showing up when they test my sample. No swelling and only put on 12lbs so far. All seemed ok at 20wk scan and was given 1 in 3500 odds after Nuchal Fold test.

Any info much appreciated.... Thank you!

[ICompletelyKnowAboutGuineaPigs]

I measured very big with both my previous pregnancies and was diagnosed with polyhydramnios (excess amniotic fluid) with both. It was worse with DC2 and by 39 weeks I think I measured about 58cm! But other than being uncomfortable there was nothing wrong. I was tested for gestational diabetes and was scanned very regularly to check everything but everything was fine.

The vast cases of polyhydramnios (if that's what you have) have no known cause. I am sort if expecting it with DC3 but suppose I will just have to wait and see!

The main advice I would give you is to look after your abdominal muscles to try and minimise any separation. A lot if the advice suggests doing exercises post-natally but there are core exercises you can do to protect your abdominals whilst pregnant. I would very much recommend looking at the Tupler Technique website www.diastasisrehab.com for info on exercises.

I know this was not what you asked but hope it was helpful in some way!

[ICompletelyKnowAboutGuineaPigs]

Btw I was given a growth scan initially to check baby size and amniotic fluid index and this was how the polyhydramnios diagnosis was reached. Then they did further tests to establish if it was caused by anything (even though a specific cause is more unusual they do like to.investigate). I had a TORCH blood test and the glucose tolerance test. I would think that on Monday they will probably scan you...another chance to look at baby

[NewbieT]

Thank you do much for the replies ICKAGuineaPigs, I was googling excess amniotic fluid which was scary, I didnt realise it could just be 'one of those things' thanks also for the valuable advice recstomach muscles and further tests. So helpful, I'm really grateful .

[Andromaca]

Don't google it!! It will scare you for nothing. I had the same experience: measuring really big, scan showing too much amniotic fluid and, despite my consultant was very reassuring (no gestational diabetes, and she was Able to feel the baby that was big) I googled it and spent the last 3 months of my pregnancy having nightmares. In most of the case is just big baby/lots of fluid, and the scan should be able to give you some reassurance.

Btw I did the exercise pre partum to try to minimise the separation... Didn't work...

[freya86]

Hi
I'm measuring the same as you and I'm 25+6. The consultant picked it up about 3 weeks ago and re scanned me thinking my dates might be off. My fluid is normal but my baby's abdomen is bigger than it should be. I had the GTT early and it was negative. My midwife will monitor me but the consultant etc just think I'm having a big baby!!! He already weighs more than he should too but like i said, it's just his tummy! His legs head and arms all measure normally!! You might just find you're having a big baby like me :)
It's annoying because people think I'm further on than I am and lots of "sure there isn't two in there" jokes!!
You'll be fine! Xxxx

[ICompletelyKnowAboutGuineaPigs]

Glad to help! Don't Google polyhydramnios - not worth it if you want to sleep ever again! I found the information really inaccurate and it was full of scare stories, but after being told by the midwives, registrars and a few consultants that polyhydramnios is in the vast majority of cases is idiopathic (with no known cause) and although often labour and birth are managed differently research suggests that perinatal outcomes are not affected by the condition there is a good overview here if you want to see it.

Good luck, hope everything is ok for you.

[ICompletelyKnowAboutGuineaPigs]

Sorry just read that back and it makes no sense! I meant

"after being told by the midwives, registrars and a few consultants that polyhydramnios is in the vast majority of cases is idiopathic (with no known cause) then I startedto believe them and really calm down".

[NewbieT]

Thanks very much for the reassurance andromaca. What a shame you spent so much of your pregnancy worried, so glad your baby was healthy though.
Freya thanks for sharing, sounds like you're getting good care. The midwife yesterday said they won't necessarily do a scan onmonday but how else can they learn more?! I think because my first was 6lb 8oz (a girl) it didnt really occur to me that this one might be a big baby, but who knows! Best of luck for the rest of your pregnancy x

[NewbieT]

Thanks again ICKAGUineapigs, you are right about google I spent half the night doing it, and it was no help. Feel better for coming on here!

[FranTan]

Hi NewbieT,

I don't have much to add to this excellent advice but just to let you know I've measured consistently ahead for dates since end second trimester. Growth scans revealed polyhydramnios for a second time (first time DC was big and perfectly healthy) and the consultant thinks it's idiopathic once again and the baby is thought to be big. In fact, they're likely to induce me at around 38 weeks. It's very uncomfortable when you measure big and you need to grow a thick skin with all the stupid comments on bump size but you will be fine. I'm almost 37 weeks and measuring around 42 weeks, btw.

I too terrified myself by googling and now prefer to come on here if I need a question answering.

All the best for Monday and do let us know how you get on.

F x

[surfingbabies]

I measured 33 weeks at 29 weeks so went for a growth scan on Tuesday, I spent 5 days worrying and thinking everything........it was all ok and baby measured normal, I was told after that they only worry if baby is measuring too small. The lady who scanned me said it could be the way the baby is lying, it could be more fluid, I could have been measured when having a braxton hicks without realising..........please don't worry as more than likely everything will be fine especially if your 20 week scan was fine. As long as baby is moving you'll be fine good luck with rest of pregnancy x

[NewbieT]

Thank you so much FranTan and Surfingbabies I really appreciate reading of your experience, it's hard not to worry but very reassuring to hear I'm not alone, and that there can be other perfectly good 'normal' reasons for measuring big! All the best to both of you for healthy, straightforward births.

I had a check yesterday where they didn't do much more than re-measure me again, and have a scan tomorrow.

Thanks again x

[osterleymama]

I had polydydramis on my first pregnancy and it turned out I was borderline for GD. I tested just below the limit at which you are diagnosed and was just told I tested negative. DS was born with low blood sugar and had to be given formula top ups before my milk came in. Not the end of the world but it could have easily been controlled with diet and I wish I'd known. Also v uncomfortable getting that big (I was 53cm at 40 weeks). When they test you, ask for the result and ask how close it is to the threshold for diagnosing GD.

[FranTan]

How did you get on newbie?