20 week scan, baby measuring big

[HelenM39]

Had our 20 week scan earlier this week. Everything looks ok thankfully apart from the measurement around the tummy. The measurement was in the 96th centile. I have to go back in 2 weeks for a growth scan and depending on these results they will test for diabetes. I'm worried that I have caused this by not eating as healthily as I could (I suspect I may have over done the fruit intake which I know is full of sugar but thought it was a better option of having the chocolate etc that I have been craving). Has anyone had experience of this and what was the outcome? Many thanks

[MadAsABagOfCats]

I had GD and I wasnt aware until I was tested. My baby measured 3 weeks ahead at one point in my pregnancy. Watch your intake of Sugars/Fats/Carbs and eat small meals often. Use a Low GI diet. I had to test my blood after meals and go to a clinic to go through my readings. They do a blood test at each clinic (to check you have been minding yourself and not just making up readings). If you do have GD, you may be lucky and manage to control it by diet and exercise alone. The hormones in later pregnancy make it more difficult to manage but it is doable.

[HelenM39]

Many thanks. What happens if it can't be controlled? Is medication required? Did it affect your baby in any way in terms of their health? Thanks again, really helpful

[MadAsABagOfCats]

I was lucky, I was able to manage my GD by diet and exercise. If your HD can't be controlled/managed by diet and exercise, you can be prescribed insulin. Your medical team can advise you on what is best for you and your baby.

[originaldoozy]

I had exactly the same bigger tummy measurement at 20 weeks with my first. Growth scan at 24 weeks showed everything looked back on track for dates again. Gave birth at 40+4 to a 10lb 6oz baby who was 98th centile for everything.

Measured big on tummy for this pregnancy at 20 weeks scan. Did GTT test .... no gestational diabetes issues. Have hd a few growth scans since where baby shows to be a little on the big side again. Still no interventions needed and I am due in 7 days.

Some people do just have larger than average babies ... not due to anything you do/don't do. Try not to worry.

[Jodie1982]

My last baby's tummy measured big. I had no GD but he was a big baby, 10lb 2oz at 39wks. Try not to worry too much. Good luck.

[HelenM39]

Thanks everyone for your replies x

[elliej83]

I was measuring over 90% with the tape so went for a scan and then the baby measured too small it's all approximate so I wouldnt worry

[sammummybee]

I was measuring too big at my 28 wk appt and was sent for GD check, it came back negative. I have just been for my 31 wk appt and measured 31 cm but still measuring on 90th percentile line on growth chart. They aren't always accurate and everyone I speak to are always surprised I'm measuring big as in the whole pregnancy I've gained only half a stone! I would try not to worry as it isn't always accurate.

[gunting]

I had this at 20 weeks, I did the GTT and no diabetes. My son was 10lb 6oz at birth and he's still massive at 1 yo! Hope everything goes well for you.

[ElliemackB]

Hi, I had the exact same thing at my 29 week scan (I'm 28 weeks now). My midwife said I've either got GD or a fat baby! I was sent for the diabetes test straight away and it came back negative. At my checkup last week I was told I won't be scanned again as my tummy is measuring normal (with the tape measure) but I am having another diabetes test on Tuesday.
I have told her it has caused me worry but was told not to stress as sometimes their measurements do fluctuation a bit. I now have a feeling I'm going to have a 10lb baby!!

[gunting]

Ellie don't worry about a big baby! My son was 10lb 6oz and he came flying out 4 hour labour from start to finish, apparently the bigger the baby, the easier they are to 'grip' while pushing. I think gravity helped too!

[ElliemackB]

Thank you so much for your reassurance gunting! As this is my first baby it's hard not to worry about everything.
And I obviously meant 20 week scan (not 29!), that's what I get tying a reply after a major power nap!! Lol

[gunting]

Ellie no worries I know how you feel! My son is my first and if they had told me he was going to be 10lb I would have freaked but actually thinking back I wouldn't have changed a thing. Best of luck!