would you be at all concerned? (measurement q)

[bootus]

Quick background; referred for growth scan at 34 wks (measuring 29) all fine, baby within normal range. Am now 39+1, saw yet another mw today who expressed concerns as only measuring 33 wks. Inclination is not to worry as have obv got bigger in past few wks, also am 6ft which tends to hide the bump I guess. Having said that my ds was 9lb4 at birth so you would reasonably expect a fairly good size one this time and I def didn't measure so small with him. The mw seemed a bit non-commital, she called the assessment unit for advice who said it was obviously how I 'did' pregnancy and then basically just said "well, I think its ok, see you in 2 wks to discuss induction if you haven't had it by then ..." I just wanted to check that I shouldn't be asking for further advice...? I know the measuring tape is vague at best but 6 cm seems quite big discrepancy? Thanks.

If your worried give your midwife a call, but I'm sure if there was any doubt with your scan and the development of baby then they would of reacted straight away! Maybe because of your height you've got more room to spread things around! I have tall friends and they look tiny and have short friends that look massive due to no torso space! If you kick up a stink then they may give you another scan! Good luck x x

Hi Bootus

I second Coppernoodle, but thought I'd let you know my story. I have a single artery umbilical cord so have a higher risk of low growth in the 3rd trimester so had an additional growth scan at 33 weeks. I had previously had one at 31 weeks as my midwife had measured static growth (with tape measure) in the 3 weeks previous.

I got the impression at the 31 week growth scan that the tape measure was a bit pointless as it depends on how baby is sitting etc (the midwife at DAU measured me as 36cm 4 hours after my midwife measured me as 28.5cm!!!). Anyway, I was referred to a consultant as I had static growth showing on the 2 growth scans - was then monitored weekly, however now showing signs of growth so now dubious about how reliable the growth scans are but thats another story!

However, the doctor I did see said that some ladies just carry small babies - they start small and grow but at a lower rate and thats fine - they worry if the baby just stops growing as it can be a sign of a problem with the placenta. So I guess if you've always measured small but still growing that might be why they weren't worried?

Hope the rest of your pregnancy goes well - not long now! :)

Yes, I would be concerned. At 39 weeks, I measured 4cm small and was sent for emergency scan. Liqor volume had fallen and baby's growth had slowed since previous growth scan. I was induced the next day.

There was a similar thread a week or two ago - MW told poster that she was measuring 4 cm small but nothing to worry about as probably sue to baby's position. A few MNers urged her to get scan and it turned out her placenta was not functioning properly.

They should be taking more than 2cm quite seriously. Hopefully, it will be nothing to worry about but better to err on the side of caution.

I agree with sh77, you should insist that they scan you.

Thankyou so much for your responses. I'm going up to assessment unit in a min to be on safe side, not sure ill get an ultrasound today but at least I can express ny concerns and be properly traced to ensure baby ok. Fortunately have a mw stepmum who is adamant that I need another growth scan as those measurements are way out so she's given me kick up bum! Thanks again

Can I ask sh if you were still feeling movements or had they reduced?

I was going to add: I too am 6ft and although the bump looks small (am 35 weeks) it measures only slightly too little for dates (I had growth scan at 32 weeks, all fine). Worth getting checked out even if only for reassurance.

Just to update, went to d.a.u. The student midwife I saw initially was lovely when I explained situation, she put me on trace, was puzzled why there was no referral for scan and then spoke to senior midwife(?) in charge, who was a right old cow, could hear her bitching that I shouldnt have come up (she was the contact my community midwife had spoken to earlier in the day) and that yes, I was measuring 6 weeks small but that I had measured small all along and that there was no way I was getting a scan tonight. TBH I was a bit upset (darn hormones), I explained to the student that I wasnt up there demanding a scan I was just a little worried as the discrepency was so big and following advice from my mw stepmum that a lot can change in the 5 weeks since my last growth scan I just wanted to be totally sure that bubba was happy and growing ok. In the end the registrar saw me, had a prod and said she wasnt worried.....so no scan but the trace was good and having been quiet all avo the baby went mad as soon as I was hooked up, will be vigilant for movements and hope it all happens soon.....thanks again for the support and advice.

Good that you went to get checked. Can't believe how horrid some MWs are. Yes, I felt reduced movement in last 2 weeks of my first preg. but assumed this was because of a lack of space. The consultant who saw me told me told me off for not coming in when I noticed. Basically, continue to be assessed until you are satisfied. I know the registrar has said that all is fine with you but if I was in your situation, I would try to get another scan. 6cm without any explanation is a lot (don't want to freak you out). I am skinny and have not gained much weight and so we are expecting a small baby but I have never measured more than 2 cm small this time. I am being monitored v closely.

Glad you managed to get checked out. The tape measure is utterly pointless and I really don't think it should be used at all.

I had a 37 week antenatal appointment with DS1, where the mw told me I was measuring a little on the small side. He was born at 39 weeks weighing 7lb 13oz. Not at all a small baby.

I also know of someone who ate and ate during her pg and put on about 5 stone. She was told she was measuring big and should expect a large baby. Her DD was born weighing 5lbs.