Small baby | Mumsnet

Orcs · 2021-07-03T15:01:03+00:00

Hi, My baby is currently measuring small everything inside is ok, but at 24+4 baby’s measuring femur length is at 21weeks abdominal circumference is 22+6 head circumference is 23+3 and BPD is 23+4 and weighing 483g I have an appointment to discuss amniocentesis which I don’t think I want to have as I can pay for a private less invasive testing if needed, Has anyone had a similar experience and baby been ok? I’m worried incase baby has a genetic disorder or is baby just really a small baby

Fridaysgirl17 · 03/07/2021 16:16

I had this at 27 weeks,baby was measuring small but everything was fine,structurally,they could never see his face despite me having 3 anatomy scans in 2 different hospitals,so an amniocentesis was recommended,I went ahead with it,it was fine,over in minutes and I had no side affects and little to no pain/discomfort after,all came back fine too no indication of anything,I was induced at 36 weeks as he just wasn't growing as he should have, induction went well,my son was born and weighed 4 pound 3 Oz,he went to NICU but had no issues in regard to breathing or anything I'd had steroids to help develop his lungs,it was discovered by his heel prick test and further tests that he was born with hypothyroidism,his feeding was slow at first but once he started his medication on day 7 he was home by day 11,he's perfect was just a small baby,it was such a worry though but so worth it for my little man he's 4 now and a ball of energy and love 😁

Arsebucket · 03/07/2021 16:22

I’ve had this with all three of mine. Growth scans every two weeks from 28 weeks, the hospital always worried me senseless.

All were born by ELCS at 39 weeks, all just over 5lb, at the bottom of the centiles but perfectly healthy.

All of them by 6 weeks were absolute chunks. By 6 months they were all over 75th centile.

They just seem to do better when they are out of me!

Youngest is only 10 months, but my older two are 18 and 7. I was always told how they would always be tiny. Not the case at all. 18 year old ds is 6 foot!

Original poster

Orcs · 04/07/2021 17:24

Thank you both for the reassurance it’s nice to know others that have gone through the same experience 🙂

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Mummyof2andapig · 04/07/2021 17:28

Could just be a small baby OP or the initial GA estimation was incorrect perhaps. I had a similar experience with my first DS so I upped my calories in the hope it was because I wasn’t eating enough. I ate loads of dairy and drank lots of milk after seeing it mentioned on here. Did the trick for me personally and my DS actually measured big towards the end of my pregnancy. Try not to worry, it’s most likely nothing of concern

Drivingmeupthewall · 04/07/2021 17:32

I had this and had an amniocentesis. It didn’t hurt was just a bit odd. I didn’t have a bump at all really at 24 weeks so it felt a bit close, but that’s all.

Also, the miscarriage risk is based on figures from the 1970s - the supremely qualified fetal medicine doctor had never known a miscarriage from any she’d performed in her whole career and she’d voluntarily had them for all of her own pregnancies. Not sure if that’s a factor for you both I sure AF found it comforting.

They wanted me to have it as they were fairly convinced there was something going on as all scans measured wrong and had signs of other things. Anyway, all was fine and it was reassuring to know that I’d done all I could to know.

Royalbloo · 04/07/2021 18:41

Mine DD was 5lb 12oz but she's now the tallest for her age - try not to worry unless someone explicitly tells you to. I was scared but she's fine.

PumpkinPie2016 · 04/07/2021 18:48

It may just be that the baby is a little small. What sort of size were you and baby's father? Some families have a line of small/large babies.

I know a lady who recently had her 3rd baby. He was born at 41 weeks weighing 5lb but was absolutely fine.

When my mum was having my sister, they told her all along that baby was small/didn't seem to be growing much etc. My sister was born on her due date weighing an impressive 9lb

ElderMillennial · 04/07/2021 19:06

My understanding is that it's not the size that matters but that the baby is growing along with his or her curve. It could just be a small baby.

alphabetti · 04/07/2021 22:36

I’m sure my now 7mth daughter was a similar size at my 24wk growth scan. What matters is baby is growing by following along the centile chart lines. She ended up being born 39+1 7lb3oz and they think just had a growth spurt at end. At 7mth she is still on the smaller side 15.5lb and still in 3-6mth clothes -6-9massive on her!! What matters is baby is growing and organs looking healthy

FrankieDettol · 04/07/2021 23:09

My DC was 4lb at 37 weeks gestation. Had measured small at growth scans. Stayed on the 0.4th centile for a few weeks after birth but is now a healthy teen.

EcoCustard · 04/07/2021 23:20

All 4dc were born under tiny and weighed under 5lbs. They all measured small from very early on but apart from dc3 followed the centiles albeit the lower ones. All were fine, small but very healthy and are no longer small but very tall.

BettySweaty · 04/07/2021 23:27

Ds1 was premature, weighed 5lb 4oz.

He's now 16 years old, 6ft tall with size 11 feet.

Original poster

Orcs · 06/07/2021 00:28

Hi everyone thank you all for being so reassuring I got news today that I have placental insufficiency and I’m being brought in twice a week as they are concerned about blood flow to baby this is why he is measuring small, there is a chance that they may have to deliver him at any stage and I am 25 weeks pregnant it’s all very scary tbh I am monitoring my bp as I’m highly risk for preeclampsia now too just praying he is able to stay inside me for another couple of weeks Atleast x

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CanIHaveAHolidayPlease · 06/07/2021 00:50

@Orcs

Hi everyone thank you all for being so reassuring I got news today that I have placental insufficiency and I’m being brought in twice a week as they are concerned about blood flow to baby this is why he is measuring small, there is a chance that they may have to deliver him at any stage and I am 25 weeks pregnant it’s all very scary tbh I am monitoring my bp as I’m highly risk for preeclampsia now too just praying he is able to stay inside me for another couple of weeks Atleast x

Hi Orcs,
Just wanted to say hello. I am 24+1 and also have placental insufficiency due to blood flow. I have been for a scan today and baby has grown so am not back till next Monday and then weekly scans / appointments with a view to deliver at any point.
Just wanted to say good luck and keep us updated x

Original poster

Orcs · 06/07/2021 00:59

Hi aww we are in the same boat it’s very worrying but just so glad I’m being monitored soo closely yes please keep me updated on ur wee one too! I am having to monitor myself very closely at home too in between the appointment I never thought that I could be having a baby much sooner than I thought, but what will be will be and we are in good hands 🙏🏻 Xx

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Original poster

Orcs · 06/07/2021 01:01

Thank you for ur message as well it’s nice to know someone is going through it with me, I wish you all the luck too 🙏🏻👶🏼 X

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JaceLancs · 06/07/2021 01:07

Frightened me with dire predictions about DS in womb - not thriving - small for dates etc
They were so concerned I had elective CS at 33 weeks - he was still 6lb 5oz! Long n very skinny
He’s now grown up and 6’5” eats like a horse and gives me huge bear hugs

CanIHaveAHolidayPlease · 06/07/2021 10:07

@Orcs

Hi aww we are in the same boat it’s very worrying but just so glad I’m being monitored soo closely yes please keep me updated on ur wee one too! I am having to monitor myself very closely at home too in between the appointment I never thought that I could be having a baby much sooner than I thought, but what will be will be and we are in good hands 🙏🏻 Xx

Can I ask, how are you monitoring yourself at home? Do you have a BP machine? I havent been advised any of this.
I don't know about you, I feel so unprepared for babies arrival, need to go shopping today for breast pads etc. I think I am going to sort my hospital bag first because if baby is tiny she won't even need clothes at first, let alone a car seat to come home in.
You are right we are in good hands. Praying we get to 37 weeks! Xx

Christmas21 · 06/07/2021 10:36

Fingers crossed for you both @Orcs and @CanIHaveAHolidayPlease

I had growth scans with DD due to other issues and they picked up an issue with the placental flow. DD still looked to be growing but they they decided at 38+5 that I had gestational diabetes so I was induced at 39 weeks. DD was born 6lb 10oz and perfectly healthy. She was on the 25th centile but soon jumped up to 50th centile.

CanIHaveAHolidayPlease · 06/07/2021 11:06

@Christmas21

Fingers crossed for you both *@Orcs and @CanIHaveAHolidayPlease*

I had growth scans with DD due to other issues and they picked up an issue with the placental flow. DD still looked to be growing but they they decided at 38+5 that I had gestational diabetes so I was induced at 39 weeks. DD was born 6lb 10oz and perfectly healthy. She was on the 25th centile but soon jumped up to 50th centile.

Thanks so much, glad your daughter was happy and healthy 😊 always good to hear people's stories

PaddleBoardingMomma · 06/07/2021 11:08

@Arsebucket

I’ve had this with all three of mine. Growth scans every two weeks from 28 weeks, the hospital always worried me senseless.

All were born by ELCS at 39 weeks, all just over 5lb, at the bottom of the centiles but perfectly healthy.

All of them by 6 weeks were absolute chunks. By 6 months they were all over 75th centile.

They just seem to do better when they are out of me!

Youngest is only 10 months, but my older two are 18 and 7. I was always told how they would always be tiny. Not the case at all. 18 year old ds is 6 foot!

This is identical to my current situation, growth scans every 2 weeks and elcs at 39 weeks... I'll be back on the 11th of august to let you know if baby was as small as they say lol

Wingingthis · 06/07/2021 11:08

My baby was measuring a small baby, literally right on the line for when you need further investigation. She was born perfectly healthy and fine, 7lb9, and is now at 1yo 75th centile for height! Try not to worry c

Arsebucket · 06/07/2021 11:30

@PaddleBoardingMomma good luck! I must say though that the measurements and predicted weights were pretty bang on with mine, just an ounce out a couple of times, and accurate with my last baby.

I was far more relaxed about it all in my third pregnancy though as the last two had thrived and exploded into massive babies once they were born. my now ten month old did too.

Original poster

Orcs · 06/07/2021 20:03

Hi yes I have a BP machine and have been told to watch BP and all of the rest of the signs for preeclampsia as I’m such high risk now, and yes I don’t feel prepared I need to go out to get stuff like that and I didn’t even think of breast pads!! So thank you!! Yes I’m packing my own bag first too and having it ready incase of being brought in, I’m going appointment by appointment but for now main goal is to make 30 weeks then go from there 🙏🏻🙏🏻

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