Slow growth - no weight gain in 3 wks

[Kiwiabel]

Hi All,

I am 39+3 today and got on the scales this morning to find that my weight is exactly the same as it was 3 weeks ago (that was the last I weighed myself as we had moved scales for redecorating).

Also at my 38wk check with the GP, he gave me many causes for concern - measured bump 3 times and asked if I was definitely 38 wks (after me asking him 3 times, he told me I was measuring at 36cm but didn't at all sound convincing). Usually I have been measuring 1cm below week so this time it was 2cm below (which I know is normal). He asked when I last had a scan, which was at 20 weeks and seemed surprised that I hadn't had another one - but wouldn't tell me why he thought I should have had one. I called the midwife following this and she sounded quite dismissive saying everything sounds fine so I didn't go in.

Now today since I weighed myself I am wondering if something isn't quite right - bump doesn't seem to be growing much and everyone says I look like I have a couple of months to go, and I am eating normally. All movement seems relatively the same (I think).

Really don't know whether I am overthinking things and I need to chill or whether I do have reason to be concerned! Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated!

Thank you in advance!

Didn't want to read and run. Does the baby have lots of movement?

When I was in the late stages of my pregnancy I was also measuring small, bump didn't measure correctly to what they were expecting. I was sent in for monitoring and told by a horrible doctor who should not be in the profession that I must go up and be monitored everyday because I was refusing induction ( I was later told by senior mw that this was absolutely ridiculous )

All these numbers where being thrown at me about where I should be , what baby should weigh and how many centimetres bump should be and I was measuring too small and had apparently stopped growing so I definitely needed inducing bla bla bla... Baby was born 9 lbs bloody 6 , perfectly healthy.

I'm no medical professional so I'm not saying it's wise to not take in what they advise but measuring is not accurate it's as simple as that, so please try not to work yourself into a worry and if you're really worried take yourself up for some monitoring and enquire about a growth scan.

All the best , not long now

Thank you both for taking the time to read and respond.

@Pieceofpurplesky- movements seem fine - she barely moves during the day and then doesn't sit still at night. Moving around plenty now too which always makes me happy, and relieved.

@poster firsttimebabybirther this is so true - and has put my mind at ease (I am not generally a worrier) and I feel a lot better after reading this. There are a lot of 'shoulds' and just need to let things be sometimes! Amazing you had a 9lb even though you were measuring small - guess you had more baby less fluid?? Sorry you had to go through that experience towards the end of your pregnancy - can't be good for you to be worrying and be under all that monitoring! Hate it when GPs make you worry unnecessarily.

Thank you again both :)

I was measuring big, baby was a week late and predicted to be massive and he was tiny! (6lbs6). The midwife kept telling me to eat less and gain less weight. I'm not sure that measuring with a tape or even on an ultrasound is particularly accurate. If you're worried you can push for another scan or appointment, but I just thought I'd share my story with you.

@kiwiabel - I am 38+4 today and I have been tracking my weight on an app - sine July (middle of), I have put on 1.3kg (3lbs). My bump was measuring 38cm at appt last week yet 2 weeks previously the MW measured it as being 39cms (at 36 weeks) - I was sent for a growth scan with the MW saying some fairly worrying things yet the scan showed nothing unusual and my baby is a normal size with a predicted weight of 7lbs 7ozs at birth (if the scan is correct!)

I think that sometimes the MWs measure in slightly different places and this causes a slight anomaly due to being a little bit out.

If you are measuring 36cm this is still within this usual tolerance level and I don't think it would trigger a growth scan but if you have any concerns you could call your local day assessment unit or triage line to discuss your concerns with them.

Like i said, I have gained only 1.3kg (3lbs) since July but everything feels fine with the baby and the MW is more than happy with my progress. We are not really meant to put on loads of weight and I think different women put weight on at different points of their pregnancy - I think babycentre has a tool where you can check if your pregnancy weight gain is 'normal'. Every woman is different though and I've heard that every pregnancy is different!!!

Good luck - not too much longer to wait!!

I haven’t tracked my weight but my bump has only grown 1 according to the tape measure over the last 3 weeks. Now 37.3. I was told as the baby descends/head down, it can make the bump appear smaller as he or she is further down the pelvis. If you’re worried, definitely get checked out xx