Growth Scan Femur Concern

[mamatobecmd]

I had a growth scan today at 33w+2 (as a result of reduced movements but all is fine now) and the femurs were measuring at 6th percentile, and the Abdomen in the 90th percentile. They want another growth scan at 37 weeks to check the femur length again but it has obviously sent my mind into overdrive. At the 20w scan, the legs were in the 17th percentile, so should I be concerned that it’s dropped to 6th? Any advice greatly appreciated x

Did you have all of the genetic testing at the end of the first trimester?

This happened to me said his legs were not measuring correct were short in comparison to the rest.of.his body.

A specialist came in and asked me if dad had short legs which he does still 5ft8 but shortish legs and long body. He said nothing to worry about.

Born fine does have dads figure shorter legs big muscley bum , big strong torso ! Very broad x

@Monty88 yep, the edwards and patau came back super low risk, and the Down syndrome risk came back as 1 in 500 which I believe is also low risk. Head is measuring at 46th percentile and no other soft markers have been picked up.

@lms2017 my Husband is 5ft 7! So not exactly tall. I’m wondering if it’s more genetic? I think it’s the drop in percentile and difference to the abdomen that is worrying me

What did they say about it? They don't seem very concerned since they're only rechecking at 37 weeks. Don't be afraid to call them and ask for advice since you're stressed x

My baby had high centile everything! Dad is 6'4 and I remember them asking me that

@AliBaliBee1234 they didn’t go into much detail to be honest which is why I’m over thinking. They just said they want to check the legs again in 3 weeks with them being in the 6th percentile. But they don’t seem concerned with the 90something abdomen? The placenta flow was also normal so they are getting everything they need which is good

Had a quick look at similar posts on here and other forums for you as I know it can be scary to look yourself.

Found a number of similar scenarious with the posters saying their little one was fine just a little short.

@AliBaliBee1234 Thank you for your kindness and reassuring words. First time mum worry is crazy but you’re right, a lot of people have femur measurements at less than 5% and still had perfectly healthy babies. I guess being 6th percentile is actually classed as normal (just the lowest end of normal) so maybe I stop googling and let it be 🤣 really appreciate your replies

My 3rd baby had femur measurements off the graph small for the entire pregnancy (around under 1st). I think he reached about 2nd centile at his last scan.
Born absolutely fine, legs were a little short but no concerns from the doctors at his checks, and now at 11 weeks, they have caught up fine 😊

Just an update on this in case any Mums to be are going through the same femur length worry. I had my growth scan today and they are in the 24th percentile (from the 6th two weeks ago) so no need for further monitoring. The sonographer said that femur measurements can be notoriously tricky/inaccurate at this late stage and they will probably just have little legs. Thank you for all your input/reassurance. Lesson learnt to trust in the overall wellbeing of the baby and not get too caught up in percentiles again (easier said than done sometimes!)

@mamatobecmd I am so glad to hear this, very reassuring! my baby's legs went from 11the centile to now 7th in the space of less than two weeks, but then baby overall is only 6th centile and generally small. I was snet for an amnio anyway to rule out anything but just really hoping little one will catch up just like yours, and many others, have xx

wow thats great! were you sent for additional testing? and was baby generally small or just his legs? xx

https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/antenatal_tests_choices/5135750-hydrops-around-baby-and-in-heart

This was my thread at the time going through the story of what happened. I had an amnio due to NT fluid concerns, that came back clear so the short legs weren't linked to anything bad 😊

He's still a little on the short side now at almost 4 months - I think around 25th centile in general. So he was just destined to be little!