Growth scan 36 weeks

[Claire1209]

Has anyone else had a growth scan? What do they do and how accurate are the measurements??? I'm nervous!!!

I had lots of growth scans with DS - basically, they do an ultrasound, look at the baby, and measure the following bits:

Biparietal diameter (head diameter at a particular point)
Head circumference
Abdominal circumference
Femur length

They then feed the measurements into an equation, which gives an estimated fetal weight. They can plot the results on charts, which show where your baby's estimated weight is compared to the average baby.

Because the accuracy of the result depends on the accuracy of the measurements, if the baby's not in a good position and they get the measurements a millimeter or two wrong, this can make a difference.

I think (not totally sure) that the estimated fetal weight is usually accurate to within 5% or 10%.

Thank you! My last baby was Iover 10lb I'm petrified of having another big one! Which it looks like I am as my fundal height is 3cm over my gestation! Don't think this scan is going to help ease my fears just confirm them and give me solid grounds to panic!!

I did, they said 9lb plus due to GD at 36 weeks. DD was born at 39 weeks weighing 6lb 2oz!

Yes, it doesn't take long, they just measure a few bits and pieces.

Doesn't seem to be terribly accurate though - they estimated 2nd centile for weight (thought would maybe be 6lbish at birth) and baby was 10lb 5oz!

I don't know yet - have had 4w growth scans since 16w pg because of my Age, and it will go to every 1-2w when I pass 32w (lucky me ) - and apparently everything is bang in the middle of the range for size etc.
Not sure I believe the weight though...

Didn't have any of this with DS, just the normal 12 and 20w scans; and in the 20w scan his head measurement (front to back) was at 110% of range, which was a bit terrifying! - but overall the circumference wasn't out of range and in the end he was 7lb 3 at 42w with induction (I know that weight and head circumference aren't exactly related but still - I feared that a big head = big baby but no)

I think growth scans are hugely inaccurate. I had one at 38w and was told she measured 7lb something and was 'normal' sized she was delivered at 40w+5 and weighed 11lb 1oz. The consultant has booked me in for another growth scan at 30w this time and I won't be holding my breath for accurate results.
I think if your last baby was big then there is a fair chance that the next will be big too, if born at term.

They estimated baby's weight to be 7lb4 today and have offered me an induction at 39 weeks, now I don't know whether to allow them to induce me or not I've heard some real horror stories

I had a growth scan 2 weeks ago as my last baby was 9lb 3oz and had shoulder dystocia. They estimated 6lb 2oz at that scan which was 35 weeks plus 5 days. My consultant showed no concern and I have been left to get on with it all!

The consultant was very vague about how an when I'm being induced :/ so I'm still confused/worried/upset and mostly frustrated as hell

Oh I would say growth scans, even so late in pregnancy are disappointingly inaccurate. I got called back for another scan because in my area they are piloting the idea of doing one at 32wks to spot people at risk of prem labour and other problems. So after the 32wk one, they called me back for a 35wk scan because they said the baby looked smaller than they would expect and especially, his legs were very short (disproportionately). Hence we worried this was a marker for various conditions etc. 36wks they said the same things, small overall and still disproportionately short legs... anyway he was born at 41wks and was 9lb 1oz (not small!!) and looks normal - not bizarrely short legs at all.
So all that grief, concern, worry, etc, for nothing.

I think I'd be concerned about an early induction based only on a potentially inaccurate growth scan, assuming that there are no other issues.

If it's any comfort second births are usually a lot easier - I know dozens of people who have given birth twice or more, and afaik only 2 found it more difficult second time.

I had lots with DC1 and they were really accurate. Also having lots with this one too . DC1 was tiny, as Predicted. This one measuring average which I should be pleased about but fear for my fanjo! Think maybe a one off scan less accurate than regular ones.

This is my 3rd my first son was a healthy 7.7 pounds, I'm very torn about what to do!

Everything suggests that the scan is fairly accurate I'm measuring 3cm ahead of my dates from my fundal height I look HUGE and the scan said she's big, that on top of my previous little boy being big suggests that they are nt far off the mark with the estimations