Grr - growth scan at 39+6....??

[5DollarShake]

I had a consultant appointment yesterday (38+6) during which time she asked me if I'd had a GTT this pregnancy.

I said I hadn't - I did when I was pregnant with DS, my first, as I was measuring big but was under the impression that if you don't develop GD in your first pregnancy, it's unlikely that you will in subsequent.

Anyway, she measure my fundal height (and don't even get me started on how inaccurate/subjective and antiquated this is!!), which was 42cm, and has decided to book me in for a growth scan next week - one day before my due date....!

All throughout my pregnancy my urine checks have come back clear for glucose, except for one around 35 weeks, which just showed a trace. Since then, all clear.

When my MW has measured my fundal height, it has usually been two weeks ahead (once just one week) - OK, that is on the large size, but still within the realms of normal.

I guess they're just being overly-cautious - but in all honesty, what is the point of scanning me when I'm due anyway? If there is a problem, then it's pretty much too late to deal with it (I guess they would induce me, which I don't really want to go through again).

DS1 measured big the whole way through (DH and are both tall and fairly strapping so hardly surprising), but when he came out he was only 6lb 13 oz. I had a great deal of amniotic fluid, and a large placenta, so I assume these made up a great deal of my bump!!

Sorry - this is a bit long-winded. My gut tells me not to worry, given all the above. But on the other hand, perhaps I should be, if she's concerned enough to send me for a growth scan?

When my midwife

Seems a little bizarre, I think you're right, a bit too late to do anything isn't it?

You don't have to attend the scan, you can decline it (and induction too) if you wish.

IIRC, NICE guidelines suggest that growth scans in late pg give such wide margins for error that they're even worse a predictor than fundal height...

If you don't want the stress, cancel it. If the baby is big at all, the growth scans are even LESS accurate. So all they could say is that baby is likely to be above average...which you could guess anyway from your measurements!

Thanks everyone - I appreciate the feedback.

I think I will go ahead with it (assuming I haven't delivered by then - fingers crossed I have!!), but I really don't think it's going to provide any real reassurance either to them or to me (tho as I say, I'm finding it hard to be really worried about it all anyway) - especially if they're so inaccurate at this late stage!

Waste of everyone's time, I think, but it'll be nice to have a final peek of DC in utero.

I am in exactly the same position as you! Having another growth scan tomorrow at 39+6 after baby was measuring big on a scan a couple of weeks ago. Had negative GTT since then so I completely agree it is a waste of time and energy tomorrow (need to be at hospital at 9am which is a pain in itself) to be told that the baby is, erm, bigger than two weeks ago!
I am going for it too, but have a doctor who is always firing stats at me (made up I think) about risks of flipping everything so am expecting the induction talk too. Had hideous induction with DS so not going down that road unless there is real danger.
Good luck and fingers crossed we both go into labour before they can bug us again

I had plenty of scans 30-37 wks as ds was breech. At 37 wks (when he was turned) I was told he was at least 7.5-8lbs. A week later he was born (induced) and weighed about 7lbs (I don't really know as they weighed him incorrectly). Not a good indicator I'd say. If you fancy going for the fun of it then do so. Just don't let them stress you if they decide you're having an elephant!

• so true, buttonmoon!

biggest - what a coincidence! Definitely fingers crossed they decide to come out before intervention is pushed!!

Just to update you 5dollarshake had 39+6 scan today and while baby is still pretty hefty they were relaxed about letting me be for another week. In fact the doctor was not altogether bothered about induction, saying that she would not stand in my way if I wanted one, but saw no need to push for it as it is better to be active when labouring a big baby.
She was even ok about me trying water to start with as long as the midwives at the MLU didn't freak about the baby's size.
Just going to relax now and pretend that DD will be a tiddler who I can breathe out easily!

Oh that's great - thanks for the update!!

I also am keen to be active during labour - I hope I get similar feedback after my scan. Well, to be honest, I hope I go into labour naturally before then!!

Good luck when it happens!