Measuring small at 34 weeks

[CaptainKit]

Anyone been in this situation? I'd like some calm and sensible words please.

Just been for my 34 week check up with the mw and baby's coming up rather small. His heartbeat is a steady 140, which it has been for the last few visits, so that's all good, but his measurement has gone from measuring at the 90th centile at 28 weeks, to being below the 5th centile this week.

MW did say that measuring can be quite subjective as it is just a person with a tape measure, but she's booked me in for a growth scan tomorrow.

How normal is this? I'm sure it just means that baby's all curled up in an awkward position and there's nothing actually wrong, and he's growing as normal... right?

Should I take my hospital bag in the car tomorrow, just in case? They won't want to induce me, will they?

Ugh - no idea how I'm going to concentrate on work today - my mind's all over the place.

[Runningupthathill82]

It's honestly nothing to worry about at all, as measuring is such an inexact science.

In my first pregnancy I measured "big" throughout and was warned of a 10lb-er. He was 8lb exactly.

This time, I measured 31cm at 34 weeks and had dropped well below my line on the growth chart. But at 36 weeks the measurement was back to 36cm. Honestly, don't worry - though I know it's easier said than done.

[Threesquids]

I was told throughout my pregnancy that I was measuring small. Had scans every three weeks and still told small.

He was born at 37 weeks weighing 7lb 11oz - hardly small ha!

[AmyLouKin]

I was sent in for an extra scan in Dec after 28 wk check! The midwife reckoned I hadn't grown at all but at the hospital (only 5 days later) they measured me 4 cm bigger! Either baby was in a funny position or it was a different time of day and I was more bloated or something! Anyway, baby was absolutely spot on, on the scan!
I think this happens quite often OP and I really wouldn't worry! I didn't as heartbeat and movements were fine! I doubt very much they would induce you at 34 weeks unless there were more serious concerns!
I'm now 33 1/2 weeks myself and all is fine!
Good luck OP. 😊

[CaptainKit]

Thanks folks - this is exactly why I should always come here rather than Dr Google. As you say, Amy, movements and heartbeat are all good, it's just a rough measurement with a tape measure; most probably nothing to worry about.

Going to try to relax (i.e. slob out in front of the telly) tonight, and not dwell on it. Then I get the added bonus of half a day off work, and getting to see the baby tomorrow, 6 (ish) weeks before I get to meet him properly. Have invited my mother along, although I'm sure her presence will drive me crazy, but she has been desperate to be involved, and has been very supportive thus far, even when I didn't necessarily want her to be!

[strangerjo]

I wouldn't trust the tape measure - it might indicate a problem but it can be very inaccurate. My gp and midwife came up with different measurements in the same week. I doubt you'll be induced based on one small measurement unless they identified an urgent problem. If the measurement is small on the scan, they'll probably want to monitor you to see if maybe the baby grows but is just constitutionally small (i.e. it's small but healthy).

[MadameJosephine]

Try not to get too worried, fundal height measurements are just a screening tool to flag up any potential issue with growth, it doesn't mean there is necessarily a problem, the vast majority of the time a growth scan will be reassuring. Even if there is an issue with baby's growth then it's good it's picked up and can be monitored

[sausagepoo]

Measured small in both my pregnancies, so had lots of growth scans. In both measured 29 weeks at 40 weeks (11 weeks behind). Both babies born normal sizes (just under and just over 7lb), as well as inaccurate measuring, some people just don't get as big as others and carry babies further back.

[Quodlibet]

I had 2 growth scans in last pregnancy for 'measuring small'. I just carried further back! Dd was 6.2lb at full term so small but not unusually so.

[BlueChampagne]

Both mine measured small and I was sent for an extra scan both times. I'm sure you'll be fine. They may be neatly packaged. Mine ended up being 7lb 4oz and 7lb 8oz. Now 8 and 6 ...

[CaptainKit]

Scan was had and, as you all assured me would happen, I've been given the all clear that everything's as it should be. BabyKit is measuring right for his gestation and gave a little wriggle for the sonographer to prove all was well. There's enough liquid around him, he's just obviously showing his concern for preserving my figure(!)

They estimated current weight at about 5lb, which again is spot on for where he should be, so my fears have been allayed, and I'm prepared now for measuring too small/too big/whatever at my next mw appointment. There shall be no panicking! Well, not until it all kicks off which really isn't too far away now.

The good thing about this mini non-event, aside from getting an extra chance to see the youngling, is that it's proved I can get my hospital bag together at the drop of a hat - just have to grab my phone charger and hospital notes and I'm good to go. So in the unlikely event that he comes early I'm not going to be caught off guard.

[MadameJosephine]

Great news, best of luck with the rest of your pregnancy

[sachahodgson20]

Had my midwife appointment yesterday ! And midwife was very concerned I'm measuring 31cm at 34 weeks ! I've got emergency scan Friday for a growth scan? What could this mean ! 1st baby and I'm so worried as I've measured on the dot at every mw appt 😒

[Hannahlouise4026]

This is an old thread, but I measured small in my second pregnancy - at about 37 weeks I was only measuring 32. I had a growth scan that week, and was told estimated weight at full term would be 7lbs (totally normal) I was induced at 39 weeks for an unrelated reason and she was 7lb2oz when born. Please don’t worry, the tape measurement is very difficult as everyone carries differently, I’m tall and long bodies and so my bump was more all over rather than straight up in front

[MrsAW36]

I've just had the exact thing happen to me today. Measuring at 32cm at 33 weeks and 6 days. Trying not to freak out as i was measured at 9am, whereas MW measurements are all in the afternoon, so i'm likely to be bigger due to snacks, drinks, lunch etc. Doesn't stop me worrying though. It's my first pregnancy so have no experience apart from you guys and Dr Google (always a bad idea!).
My growth scan isn't until next Tuesday, so they can't be too concerned (right??) as that's 5 days away.
They've offered me a CTG tomorrow, but not sure what that will do as I know it's heartbeat is ok (142) and i am feeling movement. Currently waiting on mw to return my call so I can blurt it all out and (hopefully) be reassured!