Does anyone know much about growth scans?

[SquedgieBeckenheim]

Due to my previous history of eclampsia and HELLP syndrome, and having an IUGR baby, I'm having 4 weekly growth scans this time.
Growth has been measured at 20, 23, and 28 weeks. Estimated foetal weight was at 44th centiles at 20 weeks and is now at 19th centiles at 28 weeks. All measurements have dropped on the centiles, but baby is still growing. The doctor I saw at 28 weeks wasn't my usual consultant, but she didn't seem concerned about growth at all. Dopplers were normal.
Is it normal for baby to drop centiles while still in utero?! I know it would be cause for concern once they're born! Don't see consultant now till 32 weeks when next growth scan is. They don't show us the scan report at the appointment, so it's only now, a few days later, I've looked it up and picked up on it.

I'm only 15 weeks but was told that I'd need growth scans due to previous small/early baby. He explained the chart to me and said that as long as the baby stays consistent and doesn't drop then they won't be concerned. I'm not sure this is very helpful to you but he made it sound like a drop would be a cause for concern. I'm sure that there will be someone with better advice than me and they probably aren't concerned as baby is still growing.

Also, I'm not sure I even rate the accuracy of growth scans. Everyone I know who had them said that they were wrong. Either their babies were born a lot smaller or bigger than expected.

I know growth scans aren't accurate (said DD would be bigger than she was!). It's the fact all measurements have dropped on the centiles that is concerning me and DH. If it was only one of them we'd probably put it down to inaccuracy.
Midwife doesn't seem to want to be bothered about me, as I'm consultant led. Not seeing consultant till end of the month.

I had pre e with DS and IUGR so was induced at 36 weeks. He actually weighed over a pound more than the scan said he would! Anyway this pregnancy I have been told I will have regular growth scans too. The consultant midwife said to me that they won't be concerned if it looks like I just grow smaller babies but if the baby starts to drop on the centiles then they will be concerned. So if I was you I would definitely ask to speak to someone about your results. Good luck

Growth scans only tell you that the baby is growing, not how big your baby actually is at that point (or how big it'll be at birth).

The only way to clarify the results of your scan, OP is to speak to a consultant and/or a midwife at your antenatal clinic. It's worth giving them a call to see if they can clarify the findings and ease your concerns a little. It's impossible to advise you about the doctor's thought process/plan without knowing the full history and clinical picture but It may be that the doc wants to wait until your next scan to assess a growth trend?
At 28 weeks, the docs would definitely not want to get this baby out unless there was an absolute dire concern about the growth and the doc would probably be weighing the risks of very very early birth and the risk of waiting a little longer, so waiting until next scan would make sense before jumping in both feet first with plans which may cause further harm to baby or you.

But do contact antenatal clinic and ask for a review and a chat about your scan. Asking on here will only get speculation, whereas going direct to the staff there will give you answers. And don't be afraid of asking questions that you may feel are silly - it's important that you know what's going on with your body and your baby. They'd rather you ask than worry!

I asked on here to see if others had had similar - dropping centiles in utero, with it not being an issue. I didn't ask anyone to diagnose me! Trust me, I do NOT want this baby out until 37 weeks if it can be helped!

I am sitting in a hospital bed waiting for a section slot as my dc2 has dropped centiles for last few months. I'm 36+5 and first drop was commented on after growth scan after 24 and 28 weeks.

My advice would be to keep a close eye on your movements, and don't hesitate to get any lack of movement checked out. There are no reasons yet for why my baby is not growing as expected. If you are scared shitless and anxious ny my post, I apologise in advance! You could try calling consultants secretary and asking for an earlier appointment?

signorita I'm not scared shitless by your post!
Movements have been fine, baby appears to be nocturnal! I will get checked out if I'm concerned though.
It does seem to be a recurring theme for others who have had drop in centiles that it's been a cause for concern though. My Consultant was on leave last week, hence seeing another doctor. Not sure when she's back.

^05/01/2017 07:35 SquedgieBeckenheim

I asked on here to see if others had had similar - dropping centiles in utero, with it not being an issue. I didn't ask anyone to diagnose me! Trust me, I do NOT want this baby out until 37 weeks if it can be helped!^

Not sure if aimed at me, but if so, only trying to help as you appeared to be attempting to understand more about your situation. Your question was is it normal for growth to cross a centile... the best person to ask that's would be the consultant hence my suggestion to speak to someone in the antenatal clinic. I didn't imply that you wanted this baby born early, was just highlighting that the docs would be weighing the risk of poor growth with the risk of pre term birth. I was also trying to give you an idea of what the doctor's thought process may be, but it seems that you don't actually want to understand this, just to get other people's anecdotes.
Apologies for trying to help.

I had to have one at 37 weeks, because I was only measuring 30 weeks gestation. All was fine was told the baby was a perfectly healthy size, weighing 6lb exactly. Ended up weighing 6lb 7oz at birth.