Short femurs 36 weeks

[Thecaravan]

I had a growth scan today at 36+5 and baby's femurs were measuring short, only 8th percentile. Abdomen was 75th and head was about 50th. Me and DH are both tall and slim with long legs so bit worried. The Dr basically said it's a short fat baby! I know these scans can be very inaccurate but can't help but feel a bit concerned that it could be something more serious. Any words of wisdom??

No words of wisdom but I had the same. He’s 8 now and still short and occasionally a bit tubby. But utterly gorgeous.
Good luck with the rest of your pregnancy x

Just remember that the % are only the range of healthy babies. There are many shapes and forms out there - don't worry.

My son was way off the chart for stomach size. I was very alarmed thinking the worst...when I asked what this meant the radiographer stated very seriously that he must be eating too many cheeseburgers in there. I think they must have little growth spurts and maybe the legs etc haven't caught up yet...but obviously I'm not an expert!

This happened to us too, he was completely fine and is just adorably chubby at 18m. With perfectly acceptable leg length. It is hard not to worry though!

Words of wisdom? I'll have a go. Ahem.

Your baby was always going to have short legs. It's genetic, even though it's not what you were expecting and maybe not the ideal for you. He's in the normal range for everything, which is good. If he had longer legs, he wouldn't be this baby, iyswim? You will love him regardless, I promise.

I'm 37 weeks and our baby is exactly the same! I asked my midwife about it and she said that a lot of babies measure on the low percentile for femur length - apparently it's so difficult to get an accurate measurement because their legs are all tucked up.

Thank you everyone. I know I'll adore baby whatever shape and size. Just feeling a bit anxious now after what has been a very straightforward pregnancy . There's not too long to go at least before meeting him/her. Will try to have words with myself and stop worrying!

I had the same - femurs on 5th percentile. He’s 18 months now. He’s absolutely fine. A bit shorter and stockier than his older brother at the same age but by no means tiny. As pp said there’s such a wide range of healthy and normal sizes and shapes.