Baby measuring small

[Ellieb717]

Hey, I was wondering if anyone has or is going through the same problem as me. I'm 36 weeks pregnant tomorrow and went to my growth scan yesterday to find out my little boy has a smaller stomach than what it should be and is only weighs 4lb 13oz. I'm just very worried now because they had to get the consultant to check my baby and they were whispering to eachother afterwards They even started asking me over again if I had taken any medication or had been smoking. I told them I smoke around 2 cigarettes per day throughout my pregnancy but would this really stunt my babies growth? Of course now I'm not smoking anymore but once I had said that its like they said that's the only reason my baby isn't growing how he should be... They want me to go in for another scan in 2 weeks to check baby's weight but if he has hardly put on any weight do you think they will induce me ? Or will I need a c-section?Im worried because he is still so small and he might not be getting enough nutrients from my placenta, also they said my placenta is low- lying..has anyone else been through this? Thanks

[ohidoliketobe]

Hi. I've just been through growth scans for small measurements. I'm now 38+5.

I can't comment on the smoking. I have heard that it impacts growth, and presumably does or they wouldn't have asked. But I don't know the science. And I'm not going to comment further. Your choice etc.

Ok growth scans. I was referred after 28 wk MW appointment as was measuring small with the old tape measure method. 1St scan showed the baby was on 30th percentile but low amniotic fluid. Been back for scans every 2 weeks. Amniotic fluid levels have been fine since and measurements have settled into a pattern along the 10th percentile. At your next scan they'll be looking for an increase in measurements of head torso and femur to show that the baby is growing normally. If it's on the same percentile as last scan they may be content and leave you to it (what they've now decided to do with me). If it shows a reduction (drop from 30th to 10th which I had between my 1st and 2nd growth scans) or no growth at all they may well want to enter into discussions around early induction.

Also 4lb 13 at 36 weeks isn't too small. They estimate 0.5 gain per week which would be 6lb 13 at full term, healthy weight. Some people are of the view that growth scans aren't accurate as well. But I had them when pregnant with DS (I carry small) and my scan at 39 weeks estimated weight at 7lb 7, he was born a week later at 8lb exactly

[Roseformeplease]

DS was "measuring small" so lots of monitoring. It was 16 years ago. But, he was 8.5lbs and is now 6ft 3.

[Trifleorbust]

This happens with lots of babies. The measurements are based on averages and are not always right anyway, so it's not an exact science. It is possible that smoking has made the baby slightly smaller but I would be surprised if 2 a day caused a significant stunting effect. But I am not a doctor so can't say for sure.

[3littlebadgers]

Growth scans aren't all that accurate. Ds3 was meant to be huge, going from the scans, but he was my smallest by far at 6lb.

The best of luck

[Blueberry234]

I was measuring small at 38 weeks I had regular placental dopplers until my elcs at 40 weeks exactly DS was 5lb 13oz. DS1 was 7.13oz so a difference

[Oysterbabe]

My DD was born at 35+5 and was 4lbs 13. She was on the 0.4th centile but has thrived since and up to above the 25th.
Your baby may be small but it's in the normal range, especially given that you're a smoker.

[potatofortea]

Smoking does make the baby smaller but you have stopped and that is all you can do.

My baby is also small and I don't smoke - hopefully it is just me.

Ultimately we will all worry about these things until the baby is born, you have done all you can to help, try not to worry too much.