Measuring large for dates...

[apple99]

I am 27+ weeks and measuring 31 weeks when measured today by midwife. I am seeing consultant next week as am under consultant care for my thyroid and she has mentioned it my notes and said they may measure me again at that appointment. She said not to worry and that you are 'allowed' to be 2 weeks bigger so not massively over but of course I can't stop thinking about it now.

Anyone else had this?

I had the odd weird measurement when I was PG with DD, but she was born a healthy 7lb 1oz. To be honest I am a bit sceptical of the accuracy of the method of measurement they use and found that the baby changing position could make quite a bit of difference. I also was measure my various different people from midwifes to doctors, and I could feel that they all measured slightly differently - it really isn't an exact science.

I wouldn't worry, and even if you do end up having a larger than "normal" baby it isn't necessarily a problem - big babys tend to help themselve to be born easier (because they are stronger) and can often be more settled and better feaders from the start.

Thanks for the reply. I agree that it must be hard to get an exact measurement. Will see what they say next week when I have my appointment.

It's made worse as my mother-in-law keeps going on about me being huge and it is begining to grate on me now

Is that when she measured your belly?

It is a really inexact science, and you can be measured by 3 different MW and get 3 different measurements. I got measured twice in three days last week as I was being monitored one day and then had a MW appointment 2 days later. I was measure 2 weeks under dates by one and bang on dates by the other! Also, alot depends on the lie of the baby. If it is back to back then your belly tends to be flatter so wont measure the same if it is front to back.

If you are concerned, ask for a scan to confirm things at your next hospital appointment, although there is a good chance that they will order one anyway.

I am sure everything will be fine :)

hey apple!

I had exactly the same thing at my 24 week appointment although my uterus was measuring 28-29cms when it 'should' of been 24cms. bah! I really agree with Pippy, the way that they take the measurements can be so innacurate. My mum (who seems to be the fountain of all knowledge) pointed out that the baby might just have it's foot stuck out of might of been in a stretched position to skew the results.
I have my 28 week appointment next tuesday so no doubt they will be sending me off to have a growth scan! I was so worried when they first told me but please dont get stressed out like I did- just be happy that you have a healthy bubba even if it is a bit big! :)

I measured exactly the same as one of my friends pretty much all the way through pregnancy. My DS was 7lb 4oz, hers was 8lb 13oz (and if we went by the charts both should have been 10lbs). The measurements are a guide so don't worry too much about them.