Growth scan at 37 weeks. Please share your stories.

[largeginandtonic]

I have a growth scan on Friday. I will be 37+3.

The boy has been measuring big most of the pregnancy, my last children were large. I have had one shoulder dystocia, a ventouse with manual rotation and dd2 was pulled out but not stuck as such.

The boys are very often 10 days/2 weeks late. If he goes that late he is likely to be too big for me to get out.

I labour fairly rapidly so i need to be in hospital when labour starts really. They wont induce me as i have rapid deliveries, am a grand grand multip (arf) and have had a section.

So growth scan Friday then consultant next week to discuss options.

Who has had a growth scan at 37 weeks and what happened afterwards? My last baby was 9lb 5oz. I know that growth scans can be hideously wrong but can't really see i have any other option but to listen to the results.

TIA

I've had growth scans with both of mine, because I get gestational diabetes. The first one was at 37 and a bit weeks, and all I got was "somewhere between 25 and 50th %ile" - my GP had said that the scan would probably underestimate because she was already partly engaged and they can't measure the head properly if it's in the pelvis. She was born exactly 50%ile and stayed that way.

Second one, 36w3d, is estimated to be a bit bigger, between 50ile and 75ile, which hasn't concerned the doctor at all and everyone's happy for me to continue with my homebirth. FWIW, my midwife reckons it's maybe a little above 50ile - it's been measuring about three days ahead of due date for months now. The actual estimate was "6.6lb + or - 1/2 a lb" which is apparently the usual margin of error.

Um, sorry, that's probably no help, is it? Are they talking about a scheduled section if this one is over a certain estimated weight?

Interesting, I have a similar history to you but nobody has ever mentioned a growth scan. I did have a scan the other day and for position and was told that once again it was likely to be a big baby if i went overdue last baby 9.2 and i am 5 foot, nobody seems particularly concerned but i am doing everything i can to try and ensure an earlier delivery, sweeps at 40 weeks acupuncture and reflexology.

I would have thought that a controlled induction pre dates would be what they would consider or offer a section. Do you feel the baby is big?

Thanks Tortoise.

The consultant was a bit vague at the last appointment (32 weeks). He just said i need to be delivered in closely monitored circs but that he would not consider induction other than to break my waters if possible.

The midwife can sweep from 38 weeks. Nothing really works though as far as induction techniques at my end are concerened (have just posted on the natural induction techniques thread this morning!) though do they?!

I can see me going in for an ARM, it not being possible and being taken for a section.

Dd2 (last baby) was a HB. She was just 3 days late, the other girl was a day before my due date. The boys are LAZY.

He does feel big Brian. Head already engaged and still measuring 3 weeks bigger than dates when i saw the midwife almost 12 days ago.

Are you often late Brian?

Yes have been 10 days( induced) and 9 days spontaneous there is an ongoing debate about ds's shoulders as at birth they were stuck but the notes are very wishy washy have decided to opt for a HB this time had 2nd degree tear last time but ds came out with his arm firmly clamped on his ear.

Dc5 was a shoulder dystocia at home, rapid 45 min labour. Mc Roberts position got him out. He laso had the cord wrapped round his neck about 3 times and that was making it difficult too. He was a 2nd degree tear (standard for me aftger dd1 3rd degree tear)

The midwife did a few stitches at home. All was well.

Much prefer to labour at home.

Think i may be out of luck this time though!

My notes were barely there for dc7. Just half a page. I am sure i remember the midwife saying she was a tight squeeze and asking if i was having anymore!

Thats good to hear they managed at home, mc roberts manouvere was written my one MW in my notes but contradicted by another He came out very quickly though so not concerned to much MW looked terrified and was rambling about some sort of emergency and then he was born, she was young and did have a tendency to think out loud. Dc7 wow, you're an absolute pro at this now. I have heard that if your prone to big babies its a good idea to reduce your carb intake in the last trimester but i'm not really doing a good job of that .

As an aside my mum( same height as me) delivered a 10lb baby naturally so it can be done.

sorry for all the typos, too many to correct, eek.

REDUCE the cake? Lordy. Lucky he will be out before Christmas!

Hopefully you will have a lovely spontaneous labour at just a day over your due date and the baby will be a measly 8lb

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I feel i have earned that . I have only bought 0-3 clothes though because of all the wasted newborn stuff we had previously. I'm not sure i would know what to do with an 8lb baby, might break it. Good luck with the scan.

Thank you! You too