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Original poster

Baby measuring small at 34 weeks, being closely monitored..how worried should i be?

27 replies

dal21 · 18/08/2007 21:22

Hi

I had a check up this week and during the ultrasound it appears that the growth on the abdominal circumference has tailed off (all other growth - femur, head etc was fine). The doc did a doppler scan - all blood flows were fine and then a CGT scan also to monitor the fetal heartbeat, again fine.

I was told to monitor fetal movement and if i noticed a reduction to go in and have another trace done. I did that this afternoon (as bub was quiet today) and although doc is saying trace is fine, I have to go in tomorrow and have another one just to be on the safe side.

Am sure that if there was any cause for concern, he would admit me immediately but I am feeling worried.

Has anyone else any experience with baby/ u/s measurements measuring small suddenly?

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mollymawk · 18/08/2007 21:29

I had exactly this with my DS1 who is now 4. It was a bit earlier, at about 29 weeks I think. I was very very anxious about it but everything was fine in the end. I had the doppler scans and extra monitoring on a regular basis (which I recommend for your peace of mind). For my last 6 weeks I think I went in 3 times a week for monitoring. Anyway when he was born he was exactly average length and 6lbs 10oz, so just a bit thin.

Original poster
dal21 · 18/08/2007 21:36

Thanks Molly - do they know what caused the lower growth stats with you? and what checks were they doing 3 times a week? what were they looking for?I just feel incredibly guilty as dont think i have been eating enough in the last 4/5 weeks as i get indigestion when i do eat too much!

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castille · 18/08/2007 21:37

Me too. DS had average measurements until my 35-week scan, when his abdominal circ started to stagnante. I was scanned every week for a bit then my gynae decided he'd be better off out and feeding as he had stopped fattening up. I was induced and he was born small (2.59kg) but healthy at 38.6 weeks. It turned out that the placenta was too small, apparently. My doc said it just happens sometimes.

Like you I was worried, but being closely monitored is the best thing for a small-for-dates baby.

castille · 18/08/2007 21:37

stagnate, even

lisad123 · 18/08/2007 21:39

My DD never measured small on scans although she was, so not always right. I had dooplers due twice a week and daily monitoring, from about 32 weeks. It better to be safe and it means they can act quickly if things dont go to plan.
The abdominal measurement is always the one they go by, rather than the others. What centile has it dropped to? They should re scan soon and I think as long as it stays on that line you might be ok.
Good luck

Lisa

lisad123 · 18/08/2007 21:41

Dal21 I wouldnt worry about not eating enough, all that you eat will go to baby first and your body will get whats left. I only put on 6 lb in last pregnancy and dd weigh 5lb! This time I have had to put up with comments saying i look like i have lost weight?

Hugs

Milliways · 18/08/2007 21:43

I had this with DD. I noticed that the growth had fallen of the "average growth line" but was told not to worry, but my next check up (36 weeks) there was no growth so she was off the scal completely!

I was sooo worried. Sent to hospital for a scan where they confirmed her head was a good size - to reassure me that her brain was getting enough nourishment, but her body was v. small (4lb ish). I imagined an ET look alike! I was admitted for bed rest, and after 2 days they decided to induce her. Told me she would go to SCBU and need to be fed avery 2 hours to build her up.

She weighed in at 6lb 2oz!! I had almost no water & she ws well hidden, but she was VERY skinny (DS, next baby was 9lb 6oz!).

These growth measurements are just an indicator, trust you GP/midwife and follow theit advice. At 34 weeks, if they have sent you home you will be fine. If they do induce early your baby is perfectly viable.

My DD is now 16 and awaiting her GCSE results!!

Original poster
dal21 · 18/08/2007 21:43

I have another appt on weds (1 week later than my last scan) and although they are not necessarily going to do a growth scan - as they prefer leaving 2 weeks between scans for monitoring growth progess - will defo have another doppler scan to check blood flow.

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NAB3 · 18/08/2007 21:44

Scans are notoriously innaccurate. I had a scan at 3pm which said my child was going to be 7lb 12oz. He was born by emergency section at 7.01pm and was a tiddly 6lb 12oz.

Original poster
dal21 · 18/08/2007 21:49

Thanks everyone for your reassuring words and thanks Lisa also! My doc says my food intake and this is not related as I would have to be severely malnourished/ underweight for that to have a bearing and I am neither thank goodness!

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AngeG · 18/08/2007 21:50

I had this with DS. MW thought I was small for dates at about 30weeks. Scan showed he measured about 28wks. Had scans 2 weekly and CTG 3 times per week until 34 weeks when my blood pressure went up & scan showed he hadn't grown at all in 4 wks, consultant decided he would be better off out. He was born by c-section and was indeed tiny 1.2kg (2lbs 10oz) I too had a small placenta. He came home after 3weeks in NICU being fattened up. Not telling this to scare you but to show that it was all ok for me despite there being problems.

I was told it was a good sign if the head was measuring 'normal' it's the last thing to stop growing if there is a problem.

Have also heard that USS are notoriously inccurate.

Try not to worry sounds like the consultant will be monitoring closely.

mollymawk · 18/08/2007 22:38

Sorry dal21, I went off to do something else so didn't answer you. The monitoring was just for the fetal heartbeat, same as you have had I think.
No one seemed to have any idea about why it happened. They checked the blood flow to make sure there was nothing wrong with the placenta (there wasn't).
I wonder myself (on the basis of no knowledge whatsoever) whether it might just be "one of those things" that happens with some first babies. You know, the body not quite knowing what it is doing yet!

Original poster
dal21 · 18/08/2007 22:52

Thanks Molly. My mind is racing a million miles an hour - but you have all helped reassure me that the monitoring is for the best! And at just over 34 weeks, I think the LO would be ok if it has be come out earlier!

Better get my nursery stuff delivered pronto! And my hospital bag too.

OP posts:
snooks · 18/08/2007 23:04

Hello dal21,
I had exactly this same thing with ds1 (now almost 3). My MW commented at about 35 weeks that my baby would probably be "small". I panicked and immediately imagined a mite about 2lb or something, therefore MW booked a scan for the following Monday (it was now only Friday), left the surgery and cried in the car(as you do).

The scan showed all measurements fine & on track, doppler ok etc. I was also told to measure fetal movements - & I turned up the next morning cos convinced he wasn't moving (was fine). The MW said that they expect all expectant mums to turn up for a checkup practically the next day when asked to monitor movements!! A week or 2 later (sorry can't remember the exact timings) second scan showed all growth fine again except abdomen hadn't grown...I was booked in to be induced at 38 weeks - just to be on the safe side, not because there was anything majorly (sp?) wrong. Ds1 born absolutely fine & 6lb9oz.

2nd baby and I was told by many a MW (well it felt like it) that this baby would be a lot bigger - he popped out quite literally of his own accord at 38 weeks weighing....6lb4oz. Despite me having a massive bump this time and no monitoring.

Sorry for the ramble. My point is that if your MW/consultant has noticed something that may be amiss, you will be monitored incredibly closely. Even though there is bound to be nothing at all wrong, as in my case and lots of others here.

Rest assured that you are not alone and there are lots of us with this experience. Good luck and keep us posted. X

fruittea · 18/08/2007 23:10

I measured small for dates with my DD. She was born 5 days late weighing a bare 6lbs, very long and skinny, but has been fine, and is now a healthy 12 year old, and 2" taller than me!

Good luck

fruittea · 18/08/2007 23:10

I measured small for dates with my DD. She was born 5 days late weighing a bare 6lbs, very long and skinny, but has been fine, and is now a healthy 12 year old, and 2" taller than me!

Good luck

dukester · 18/08/2007 23:15

I have expericened this with DD1 at 28 w and DD2 at 32 Had weekly scans to check progress and growth of baby. All turned out fine . By the time I had DD3 and they midwifes began worrying over her being small for dates I pointed out that I had been through this with the other two children,it turned out fine all healthy weights and I was unconcerened( SP)just had a quick scan to check. Some peolpe are just a bit smaller than others.

sparklygothkat · 18/08/2007 23:20

I had this with DS, apparently there was no growth between 28-32 weeks, so was taken in for bed rest and scanned and monitored, I was given doppler scans each week and monitored daily. I was told that DS would be 4lb at term!! I had him at 35+5 weeks and he was 5lb 2oz.

DD2 was small for dates too, and I was given scans every week from 30 weeks and doppler scan too. She was small, born at 33 weeks weighing 3lb 8oz.

Hopeitwontbebig · 19/08/2007 13:38

Hi Dal, how are you getting on? Just wanted to add my sentiments about growth scans too, as others have said, they are notoriously inaccurate at times. With DS2 they were out by 2lbs!! Good luck today. x x

PurpleLostPrincess · 19/08/2007 14:29

Hi dal, I've had no experience of this but just wanted to say hope all is OK and send you a big hug (((((((((((dal))))))))))))

Original poster
dal21 · 19/08/2007 16:08

Hi everyone - went ok today. Baby was really active and the trace was spot on. My obs has me back in tomorrow to check blood flow and he was really reassuring.
Basically explained that the low abd circumference was only one sign that things might not be ok - but all other stuff was pointing to the fact that bub was fine and it was simply just a little smaller.
Obv if blood flow is problematic, then it is a different story. He also explained that this is something I could do nothing about and not to worry myself about food etc. Midwife was also fab and spent some time explaining stuff.
They are going to keep a very close eye on me over the next 10 days - but am feeling heaps better. Think yesterday was just a little surprising as they were taking the matter so seriously (as they should) that it really scared me.

Thanks everyone for your support! Means a lot!

OP posts:
Hopeitwontbebig · 19/08/2007 19:17

Fantastic news dal, SO pleased for you x x x x

NewDKmum · 19/08/2007 19:42

Glad to hear you are feeling better!

I had a scan at 32 weeks where it was found that the abdominal circumference had trailed off markedly on the growth chart (to the 5th centile, I think) and the Consultant was a bit concerned and booked me in for another scan 2 weeks later (last week). I was very worried, but at the next scan the abdominal circumference measured above the 50th centile! The Consultant explained that the scans aren't that exact and that some babies grow in spurts.

Wish you all the best!

mollymawk · 20/08/2007 00:03

Good news. Best of luck with the next few weeks.

designerbaby · 20/08/2007 12:44

Not personally dal, but my close friend was monitored throughout her pregnancy for having what they thought was a VERY small baby - she was on weekly monitoring from about 20 weeks, and then twice weekly for the last few weeks and were all prep'd for spending a lot of time in the NICU afterwards, even though they'd pumped them full of steroids to try and get baby's size up. Literally right up to delivery ALL the doctors were conviced she was having a teeny one.

Aoife (sp?) popped out 3 days overdue at a very respectable 7lbs 7oz and in robust good health...

I can't imagine that this will stop you worrying, but it might help take the edge off a bit - even doctors aren't infallible...

DB
xx