Baby's head circumference measuring small

[SIlverfish31]

Hi,

I'm after some stories from ladies that may have had this issue themselves at the moment I feel so alone and confused!

I went for my 2nd scan today at 19+4. All seemed to be going ok, apart from the sonographer saying I had a mischievous baby that was in an awkward position for taking measurements. I was sent away to empty my bladder, we tried again. After Jo more luck, I was sent away for a walk and came back after an hour for another go. Again, all seemed ok apart from the baby still being mischievous. I noticed her taking several images of the head so I asked if everything was ok and she said the head just measured a bit small. The scan ended as incomplete as not all areas could be seen due to the baby's position and I am scheduled to go back in a week.

After the scan was finished though, I was told to wait for a midwife who told me the baby's head measures less than the 3rd centile, whilst the femur and abdomen were both on the 30th centile. She has referred me to a fetal medicine unit for an appointment which I am waiting for the date for. Chromosomal abnormalities has been mentioned and microcephaly. I am absolutely terrified. Does anyone have any experience of anything like this or any advice to offer me?

I had similar at my 20 week scan, although my baby was measuring 25th centile for everything else, she was less than 1st percentile for her head measurement - she wasn't even on the chart.

I was called back for a scan two weeks later which was the longest two weeks, I was terrified. I can't remember the exact measurements but she was 15th I think for head, and 25th for everything else, so the consultant was happy with that.

She is perfect, she's petite, but so that probably explains the measurement but has no impairments, she reached all her milestones on time or early and at 3, doesn't stop chattering!

I really hope everything is ok for you. I just wanted to let you know that it doesn't necessarily mean a bad outcome. When I searched for this issue at the time I couldn't find anything positive but there are good outcomes

Thank you so much for replying and so quickly! I've been trying to find out about this since early evening and not getting much information.

I am so scared, they have said I will be seen within a week and if they haven't given my an appointment date by Wednesday morning to call them to chase it up. I'm worried about why they are wanting it done so urgently?!

My first child was petite, only 6lb 11 but she was really long! I'm wondering how much is due to the 'awkward position' that they said the baby was in today.

Hopefully it is just that the baby is in an awkward position, it must be tricky to get an accurate measurement

Easier said than done, but please don't worry yourself too much. I went for my 20 week scan to be told there was more fluid than expected on baby's brain and to come back in 2 weeks to check it again. They also talked about chromosomal issues, brain damage, the works. After the 2 longest weeks of my life I had my next scan and there was less fluid than before. When I spoke with the consultant he said that with baby growing at the rate they are, some parts can be a bit out if proportion, but eventually catch up. Baby's head is measuring on the small side, but remember, they've still got lots of growing to do. I have more scans as I get closer to my due date, just to keep an eye, but they have no concerns at the moment.

I know it's not the same situation, but hopefully provides a bit of comfort in knowing how quickly things can change, and how quickly their head can grow! I hope it all goes well for you

Thank you for telling me your story. Even though it is different, it's helpful to know it's not always as dire as it seems when they tell you.

I think a lot of my dear comes from the fact they have referred me to a fetal medicine unit and not just asked me to come back for another scan in a couple of weeks. The fetal medicine unit is over 2 hours drive away. I'm so worried about why they have felt I need to be seen there before they do another scan to complete what they couldn't see yesterday.

On yesterday's scan, they didn't mention any other concerns about anything and the only areas they couldn't see properly were the heart, thorax and sacral spine. It says on my notes it was due to the baby's position and the fact I have a little 'extra padding' on my tummy.

I just don't know what to think. Part of me is telling myself it's nothing to worry about, it's due to the position, she couldn't get the right measurements... The other part of myself is telling me to prepare to be told my much loved and wanted little baby has something dreadful wrong with it.

I have been given an appointment for tomorrow. I am beyond worried. I just don't know what they are going to find, part of me doesn't want to know.

I dont have a similar story, but i keep being referred for growth scans that always turn out ok after the doctor has worried me silly with all the ‘worst case scenario’ options - that wait for the appointment is the worst! Just wanted to reach out and wish you luck for tomorrow and let us know how it goes x

@Araz208

I dont have a similar story, but i keep being referred for growth scans that always turn out ok after the doctor has worried me silly with all the ‘worst case scenario’ options - that wait for the appointment is the worst! Just wanted to reach out and wish you luck for tomorrow and let us know how it goes x

Thank you. It's so worrying, isn't it?! It's the not knowing. I am swinging between thinking that it could be nothing more than an awkward position to thinking along the lines of horrific chromosomal abnormalities. I have been torturing myself trawling Google looking for answers, stories anything that might give me a clue as to what it is.

I will post an update, no matter who the news is good or not. I have come across too many of these posts without a follow up.

They didn't mention anything other than the concern about the head circumference being wrong, that has to be good doesn't it? Maybe it's just a petite baby that was lying awkwardly?

"UPDATE

I've had the check today at the fetal medicine unit. Everything measured normal and they don't need to see me again. Baby's head was on 10th percentile. It must have been down to the way it was lying.

Thank you all so much for the replies and support

That's amazing, I'm so happy for you, glad everything went well.

Take it easy and look after yourself

Wonderful news! So glad you can relax now x