Measuring too big?

[amyem]

Hi,

I've just had my 28 week appointment and worried as my midwife has said I'm measuring 2 weeks ahead so has referred me for a growth scan

I'm a natural worrier anyway so now I have all sorts going round in my mind wondering whether there is a problem

I've had a glucose test and got the all clear. The midwife said that since the new charts have been in place (gap and grow?) she has had to refer everyone for measuring too big so she thinks that there may be a problem with the charts, as she checked on the old charts and my measurements fitted within the lines for my gestation period.

What will happen at the scan? And what if baby is measuring bigger what does this mean?

I had to have regular growth scans as I had gestational diabetes. They measure head, length, abdomen and thigh length from recollection along with estimated weight which they plot on a growth chart. Depending on the measurements they may want you to go back for further growth scans in order to monitor.

Easier said than done but I’d try not to worry especially as the midwife didn’t seem concerned and offered an explanation.

I’m in the same boat, we’ve had additional scans as he has been really big since 16 weeks, then my placenta was low so extra scans for that. It’s all okay now but I went for an appointment today - I’m 35 weeks exactly and I’m measuring 39cm which is huge! They know from the scans the baby is heavy, he was 6lbs at 33 weeks. I’ve had 3 diabetes tests and all clear. Looks like I’m just having a big strapping rugby player!

I asked her if their concerns were about him or just about how my birth would go and she said it’s the latter - they would want to induce so I don’t go over 40 weeks but there is nothing wrong with a big baby!

So I think the message is don’t worry! 🙏

@le42 thanks so much that's really helpful. I find it difficult sometimes as they say these things but then don't really explain anything to you and I tried asking but she just gave me quite a vague answer, and you don't want to feel like you're pestering them!

They go into detail about how if you're measuring smaller the baby might not be growing properly so they need to check etc which is understandable, but don't really tell you what they're checking for if you're measuring big!

Hope the birth goes well for you and baby is healthy and happy

@amyem - yes I know! So hard not to worry! I would also say I’ve read so many times that midwives measuring with a bit of tape is so inaccurate! And don’t forget babies all grow at different rates, so many your one had a growth spurt but will slow down? It doesn’t mean anything to worry about.

They are over cautious with everything so if there is anything that deviates from a graph they send you for a scan. But just think... you get to see your baby again! So see it as a bonus! ❤️

I measured big they didn't seem to worry. I had only had an extra scan at 32 weeks due to placenta position, which was fine in the end. They said baby measured very big, but no worries. No diabetes.

I was induced at 41+5 because baby didn't come on his own. And I gave birth to a 11 pound baby naturally. He did not fit in newborn clothes ! And he wasn't fat, he was just tall and solid. I'm quite tall and not overweight. My family is tall and DH is average height.

I think maybe they worry more if the mother is overweight.