Small baby - what does this mean?

[Mishee]

Fundal height measurement at 28 weeks was 26cm. I've been told this could mean a 'small baby'. I have to have an 'urgent'scan next week and if Baby is not developing in line with what's 'normal' s/he will be delivered at 34 weeks. My mind has been spining ever since. Have you had this experience?

Sorry Mishee, no experience. I hope its all ok for you and the scan puts your mind at rest. Keep us posted.

That sounds quite extreme to me - I'd say that at 28 weeks, the wat the baby is lying could well mean the fundal height is lower than the number f weeks would suggest.

DS was "small" (6lb 1oz at when born at 38 weeks). This was probably due to my developing pre-eclampsia at the end of my pregnancy. I had scans to check placental blood flow etc but not until at least 35 weeks I think.

Sometimes I've measured less and sometimes Ive measured more on different pregnancies. I wouldn't be particularly worried about a 2 week diff. between fundal height and dates. They like to keep an eye on these things though. Which is no bad thing - it's just that the comments worry us to death if we let them. As Picadilly said the lie of the baby can affect the fundal height measurement.

What's actually the problem if the baby is a bit small? I was a small baby - 5lb at birth - and I'm one of the healthiest people I know, and was a very healthy child too.

I know that smaller babies can be more vulnerable but as long as the baby isn't premature surely that's the most important thing?

Hello Mishee,

I'm 38 weeks pregnant and have been measuring under between 2 to 4 weeks under since around the same time as you. However, the MW isn't concerned, as I'm very small myself. However, the hosp. has been making a meal of it, as my ds (now 5) was actually IUGR, and born prematurely. So I'll be on my 5th scan next week (grr) "just in case". Thing is, the scans are showing a healthy placenta and dopplers, which my ds DIDN'T have. So I'm not overly concerned.

As PiccadillyCircus said, it seems a little extreme to scare you with words like 'urgent' based on a fundal height measurement alone, which can vary depending on how baby is lying.

Please don't worry!

Most hospitals allow 2cm either side of expected measurement b4 sending women for a scan. Try not to worry, I'm sure it will be fine.

I measured small for dates with dd1 and had her at 37 weeks. She was 6lb 8oz and perfectly healthy.
Dd4 was born at 33 weeks with 3 weeks in special care and we almost lost her. I really don't think they would deliver at 34 weeks unless there was no growth at all in the couple of weeks before that.
2 cm is not a lot of difference in fundal height, I do wish they wouldn't expect every woman to be exactly the same as the stupid charts they have!!
Please don't worry, sounds like baby is fine but you just seem to have an over panicky health proffesional.

Thanks everyone. You've put my mind at rest. This is my first time of using Mumsnet and what a great lot you are! I hope to be able to offer someone else comforting advice in the coming weeks.