Third baby measuring big - any suggestions why?

[SpeckyB]

I’m pregnant with my third child. Previous 2 were born at 39 weeks (7lb) and 40 weeks (8lb). Never had any problems previously.

I’m now at 33 weeks and I’ve been having growth scans since 26 weeks and the baby’s weight / femur length / stomach have grown dramatically in the last month. Latest scan today at 33 weeks shows estimated weight at 95 percentile abc tummy measurement is off the scale. They are doing a gestational diabetes test to see if this is the cause?

Has anyone else had this with second or subsequent children? Is it likely I would develop gestational diabetes in a third pregnancy having never had it before nor do I suffer from any of the risk factors? Should I be worried?

Thanks for reading x

Hi OP. My consultant says big babies are basically down to genes if no GD is present.

If you have GD then of course controlling diet will make a difference.

However, it's often just luck of the draw.

My first was measuring over the 90th - ended up 11lb and 60cm. It was like having a 3 month old. I'm obese so thought it was that but I had no GD or anything.

Now expecting DS2 and am still obese. I have, however very carefully watched my weight and gained less than 7lb in 32 weeks. He's measuring massive again.

My DH was 10lb 8oz, my mum had 9lb 6oz and 9lb 10oz babies, my grandmother had 7 big children, one was 12lb.

My consultant maintains my DH and I just make big ones and you may be the same.

Big babies are lovely - they feel robust and have resources to call on when unwell.

Hi Specky. not sure I can help but just to say that I am expecting dc3 (with two prior babies weighing in at 7.6 or thereabouts) and dc3 has high end of normal tummy measurements. I have just had a test for GD which came back as normal, so I am not sure what is causing this. I am feeling anxious but consultant is not worried at the moment x

Thanks for your replies. I won’t get the GD test until after Christmas so i’ll Have to wait and see.

Moany - I hope your Dc2 arrives safely and good point about large babies being robust. I’m just worried about the damage it might cause on the way out!!

user - fingers crossed we are both worrying about nothing. It’s good your consultant is keeping an eye on you.