Small for dates at 26 weeks

[GoodVibrations]

Just had my midwife appt and measuring 24cm at 26+1 weeks. I know there is a 2cm tolerence so I wasn't overly worried but when I checked my notes I last measured 22cm, meaning growth of only 2cm in 5 weeks. This is worrying me more.

I already have a growth scan booked in 2 weeks as DD was prem and low birthweight.

Please tell me not to worry, I'm in a panic that this baby will also be prem

Hey.

I am only 23 weeks and mid wife hasnt started to measure me yet. I am under obs with GP though as i have lost a stone through my whole pregnancy and only gained 2 pounds. My blood pressure is very low too. I am eating but just not putting any weight on. I am worried my baby is not getting what it needs. When i lie flat on my back you can just see a bluge on my tummy outlining the baby. Its weird!
Not sure whether i should ask for a growth scan, feel like i live at the hospital ATM :(
x

I can't offer any advice about weight gain I'm afraid. What did they say at your 20 week scan? Can you go to a midwife drop in centre and ask to be measured?. They will be able to reassure you, or refer you for a scan if they have any concerns. It's better to get checked out than worry (she says, worrying about everything!)

I was panicking and booked a private growth scan. They did all the measurements and I could get an apt next day.

Hi, if your pre-pregnancy BMI was less than 19, then measuring your tummy with a measuring tape will not yield correct results! They must do a scan. I am actually quite irritated by the primitivism of the system myself. Don't worry just yet... Hope it all goes well for you!

Completely agree with lilly13 measuring the bump is an extreemly unscientific and unreliable system. I measured small all through my first pregnancy only to pop out a very respectable 8 pound baby! Im measuring big this time but am not taking the slightest bit of notice!

Where we live (overseas) they don't measure fundal height (the bump) at all and only use scans (you get 3 here as standard). Antenatal care here is all doctor led and my doc in my previous pregnancy said fundal height measurement is outdated and largely meaningless - I was measuring very big in the UK (we moved when I was 6 months preg). DC2 was "only" 8lb 6 at 39 weeks despite measuring several weeks ahead.

Bump size has a much to do with your build, your weight pre preg, how much weight you have put on (yourself as opposed to baby) and how the baby is lying makes a huge difference too, baby could have shifted position totally since you were last measured.

I wouldn't worry based on bump measurement alone if you have no other cause for concern.