HC and Fetal Growth - Help!

[RubyFleur]

Hi all, I am pregnant with my first child. I went for my 20 week scan a couple of weeks ago and they said everything was great apart from that the baby was weighing a bit below average.

I went for a follow up scan on Tuesday (22+6) and they said that the baby's head circumference is a bit below average. I have now been referred to the Fetal Medicine Unit and I am there next Tuesday.

On the 22+6 scan, head circumference is 187mm (below the 5th centile) and the EWF was showing as just below the 7.5centile). The baby's head circumference had actually grown 2cm since the scan 2 weeks earlier. Further to this, brain development is spot on as is head shape etc.

Is anybody else in the same boat? I am sick with worry and its all so stressful!

Any replies would be appreciated.

Thank you, Ruby x

It’s hard but try not to let the extra scans worry you too much. They are being done to try and pick up on the baby’s whose growth is indicating they are having a tough time inside and may need to be delivered early as well as those who may need extra help at birth.

My youngest’s actual gestational age was missed in scans as she was symmetrically below the 0.4th throughout. They assumed IUGR but no reason why.They planned an elective c/sec as they were expecting a small 37 week baby. She turned out to be a teeny 42 week baby who needed immediate help. Her scans meant the full neonatal team were in theatre and ready for her arrival rather than the standard pead’ team for a term baby. DD is still smaller than her peers followed her own growth curve around the 0.4th following a very scary neonatal period at BCH. She is just rather small. Hoping your baby turns out to be just one of natures smaller babies and that you will get extra support and reassurance from the FMU when you go.

Is the HC following the centile line? It could be your baby just has a small head or it could be to do with the sonographer’s ability or equipment. Fetal Medicine should have much better scanning machines and will be looking to rule out any concerns. Hopefully you will come away on Tuesday feeling reassured.