Worried about midwife not taking baby’s size seriously.

[Aug122020]

Hey,

So my baby is measuring off the charts big, I’m 5’0 and have a very petite frame.

My normal midwife when I was first measuring large at 28 weeks was concerned and had me do the GTT to check that wasn’t an issue, thankfully it was clear.

Since then, my actual midwife has been off sick and I’ve seen another midwife who works at a local hospital (I’m not delivering at this hospital due to multiple complaints and bad experiences from people I know. I am travelling slightly further into the city centre to deliver at the bigger hospital which has much better reviews and I’ve had great experiences there so far! ).

The last 3 appointments I’ve had baby has shot up and been well over 100th centile. I questioned this every time and got told it’s nothing to worry about, however I’ve spoken to a friend who has advised the same happened to her and she was sent for growth scans as her baby had gone up more than 3 lines on the chart. This has happened on my chart but I’ve not been referred for anything.

I questioned this yesterday again as again he had gone further off the scale, and the midwife said to the trainee who was with her ‘erm I don’t think your hospital would be bothered by him being this big... they wouldn’t would they? I can ring them but I don’t think they’ll be worried it’s only an estimate’

So now this response has be stressed 😩

Mainly because my cousin delivered at the local hospital this midwife is from, they did the same and brushed off how big baby was measuring and he ended up getting stuck resulting in a very traumatic birth as she was almost 42 weeks and baby was massive.

Can I call my hospital direct and ask for their opinion? I feel like it should have been discussed with them how large he is measuring even if they turn around and say they aren’t concerned. I’m really worried and feel like it’s being totally overlooked. I don’t want to be left to go overdue if baby is as big as my chart says (I had a private scan at 31 weeks and he was looking to be on the large side as my measurements predicted)

Am I worrying over nothing? What would you do?

Should probably say I’m 36 weeks currently!

I would call the hospital just to be on the safe side and if only to reassure you. Don't hesitate to use the resources available to you, that's why they give us their numbers.

I'm 37 weeks, my baby is measuring small. The consultant still spoke with me after I spoke with the hospital midwife at my 36wk scan and said baby is healthy. They also said to call them if I had any concerns even though baby is fine.

I hope everything goes well for you

I have no idea if your midwife is wrong or right, but if you are concerned that you are being given incorrect medical advice it's always OK to seek a second opinion.

The worst (best?) case scenario is that all. Is fine and you appear a bit overanxious, which is seen a million times a day in maternity services! Or your gut instinct is spot on and you get the extra scans and input due to your baby measuring large and are you are glad you asked.

If the measurements are fundal height, I wouldn’t worry as they can be very inaccurate. I measured 95th centile and above on all fundal height measurements from 20 something weeks, and was sent for growth scans only to find baby is bang on 50th (and has been all along!).
Fundal height is really only an estimate of the uterus, so as you’re petite it may look disproportionately big on your growth chart, depending on your own proportions (if that makes sense!). It can also depend how your baby is lying at the time, and is very VERY dependent on midwife interpretation.
I’ve attached a shot of my chart, hopefully it reassures you! If possible, I would ask the mw for a growth scan (or, if it’s an option for you, just book one at a private clinic) to put your mind at rest!

Push for a second opinion!

Yeah I agree. I think particularly if the baby has changed percentiles they would want to do a scan just to check everything is as it should be and maybe check with a midwife in charge or a consultant whether they need to discuss any options for your birth. I think I would press the issue.

Call triage and ask to either speak to a doctor or have a growth scan.

I know the fundal measurement is only a guide and has been shown to be wildly inaccurate at times but i really wouldn't be happy to be fobbed off like this.
Definitely call your hospital and push for a growth scan.

I measured off the chart from 28 weeks, literally had my own line way above all the others. I had the GTT, extra scans and was predicted to have a 9-10 lb baby (I'm 5'2) but DS was only 7lb 9 when he was born so predictions aren't always right!

I'm really surprised at this. When my baby was big I was repeatedly sent for growth scans and I had 3 diabetes tests. They said they don't let you go over due date if you are expecting a big one.

I would call the hospital again and ask for a growth scan.

You sound just like me!! I’m 36 weeks and 4’11’’ small frame pre pregnancy all fundal height measurement is off the chart (48cm at 36 week appt). I went for a growth scan last week as 3 measurements consistently above the top line which is my hospital policy so it may worth checking their policy direct. FWIW growth scan was absolutely fine baby between the 50th and 90th centile line (not a baby elephant like I was expecting!) the doctor just said I was carrying big because I’m small and fundal height is the best they have in the community but can be very inaccurate. I have also had 3 gestational diabetes tests as everytime a Different MW sees me they assume GD as I am a massive bump on legs

I agree it’s probably nothing to worry about but I’d also be upset with how you have been treated. I’d definitely ask for a second opinion

I'm short and fundal height was off the scale with my first, even a scan predicted a heavy baby. 6lbs 13.5oz she was when born at term. I think if you're short, particularly if like me you're short waisted, then there just isn't that much room for baby and you're all forward bump.