Should I push for a scan earlier, just in case?

[SchroSawMargeryDaw]

I am 34+3 and was yesterday measured at 31 but the MW later wrote down 32 and said this was the very low end of normal, when I told her she said 31 when she measured when we were in the bedroom she said "well I've written down 32 now" and that she will check again at my 36 week appointment and send for a scan if there isn't much change then.

Up until now I have measured perfectly for dates so I am now a little worried, should I contact her and say I would like to be scanned earlier as I am positive she said 31?

The baby is also head well down and engaged so I am worried if I go early and it is very small.

The smaller measurement is probably because the baby is engaged. Different authorities use different charts too, so some wouldn't scan you for 31 as it's within their normal range.

You can ask to be measured again by someone else if you're worried? See what they say?

I agree with Noble, get a second opinion if you are worried, however if it is within the normal range, all they will do is wait a couple of weeks to assess growth and then if necessary, scan. When/what was your last measurement?

With No, all the measurements haven't been, only this one actually.

Noble I know that you can measure a bit behind when they are engaged, 2, nearly 3 weeks ago I was measured in MAU when they were checking out how low he is and she said I was about a week behind but that could be because of his head being deep in my pelvis. The only reason I am worried is that it would mean I would be the same measurement as that time, so haven't actually went up anything at all.

Sleep Last measurement was nearly 3 weeks ago in MAU. Well, the 3rd of June to be exact. :)

She had said 32 would be the lowest end of normal but had previously said I was measuring 31. That's the bit I was worrying about and just got a bit of a fright at the thought of what could happen in another 2 weeks if he doesn't grow.

Also, I don't think (particularly if it is your first baby) that the head being engaged indicates early arrival . Also, small does not mean a problem, development should all be pretty much there by now, with the exception of the lungs...37 weeks is considered full term, because development is fully complete by then.

My DS2 was induced at 37 weeks because fluid dropped at 36 weeks - he was so tiny (not even on the charts) so scanned throughout the pregnancy but he came out weighing 4lbs, perfectly fine except for a little jaundice . Your little one will already weigh more than that I'm sure .

If your notes show that the measurements haven't increased then I would definitely go back and ask for another opinion/growth scan if possible. Or you could just pay for a private "wellbeing" one....

This is my second baby. My DS was 6lb1oz at 38+2 (their dates) and 36+5 (mines) and was estimated to be over 9lbs by due date at a scan. I think this is why I have gotten so worried.

I know that the baby being engaged on it's own isn't really a sign of early labour but I have had on/off contractions and a couple of shows in the past few weeks (so obviously holding on anyway!) I have a medical condition that can cause PROM.

I'll stop worrying so much, I have been relatively worry free this time as well!

Thanks. :)

If you're worried, give them a ring. Say you're worried that your bump hasn't grown and you're not sure the midwife noticed. They might measure you again sooner, or suggest a scan and see what they say.

The problem is that the MW at the MAU forgot to write in my notes! Will my measurements have been written in their notes and I could possibly phone and get them?

I will give them a ring and see if they have the measurements written down at the MAU, if they have I will tell my MW (home birth mw, guess that might not happen!).

Get a second opinion. I was measuring 2 weeks small at 36 weeks with DS. He was born right on time and was underweight at around 6lbs and they kept us in until he put on weight. They advised me to give him formula milk which completely messed up my milk production as I started off breastfeeding.

In saying that, dc1 was also around 6lbs in weight so I think I just produce small babies.

Thanks Fakebook, I think if I mentioned it to her and actually asked to be scanned earlier, she would do it. I'll text her when DP gets back with the mobile!

Should I start expressing now then, in case he is small and needs a lot? I'd rather not give formula at the beginning again unless I really needed to.

I had the same thing happen to me and I pushed for and got a scan. The midwife thought it was a bit of a waste of time but I felt much better having been scanned and checked. Push for it!

Disguise Glad to hear you got your scan, what was the outcome?

Given your history, I'm not sure about expressing, as at this stage it could set off contractions.

I just remembered that my GP did ring the hospital and asked if I needed a scan and they said no, so you may not get one if the mw thinks the head is engaged. However, it's good to know if your baby is going to be born underweight as you can be mentally prepared to give extra feeds every few hours, even if baby is asleep (I was used to feeding on demand rather than timing it). It can also put your mind at ease to make sure there isn't anything else wrong with the baby, which I'm sure there's not.

The outcome with mine was that everything looked and appeared fine. They didn't know why the measurements weren't increasing and the baby was a good size. I went to term and all was fine. I was paranoid though as I was concerned baby had stopped growing but the midwife who did scan was happily all looked well.
Good luck - be determined!

Have text the MW this morning, hopefully she will get back to me. :)

Good point about expressing, I forgot it could start contractions.