Head circumference

[Piglet11]

I had my 28 week growth scan and babies head is measuring around the 2nd/3rd percentile but rest of the measurements were fine. Structurally the brain looks good and the flow and fluid are all good. I’m really worried about the head measurement. Has anyone had experience with this and everything turned out ok? The baby is footling breech and it’s head is right under my rib which I have been told could affect the measurements

Anyone?

Hi @Piglet11,

I had a similar scare at my 32 week midwife appointment (fundal height measurement coming up on the big side at 28 week appointment and then on the small side at 32 week appointment which automatically triggers a growth scan). All measurements were average/above average apart from the abdominal circumference measurement which was on the 3rd percentile. I was referred to the fetal medicine department for a scan with a consultant which is a much more thorough careful scan and they are much more experienced. turns out baby's AC measurement is actually on the 22nd percentile, which is hugely different from it being on the 3rd percentile. Anyway, waiting those 3 days until my scan with the fetal medicine consultant were the longer and most worrying days of my life so I know how you're feeling. Please just stay calm and relaxed its the best thing for you and baby. Also, bear in mind that scans after 12/13 weeks gestation are notoriously inaccurate hence why you hear so many story of women being induced early because they were told they were carrying a big baby only to be induced at 37 weeks to a 7 pounder. Also, the position of baby plays a huge factor, when the sonographer measured my baby's AC on the 3rd percentile on the report it said 'suboptimal view' whereas the view the consultant had days later was a 'good view' and she measured it again and again being taking measurements from the least generous point just to be absolutely sure.

I often think that all this measuring and scanning done throughout pregnancy these days can cause a lot of unnecessary stress and upset.

I'm assuming they've referred for you for another scan probs with fetal medicine? really don't worry until then. also, if there was any concern they would've kept you in, they really don't take any risks to the point of almost being overly pedantic.

another point, given that this has only been picked up now shows that if there were to be any problem at all it would most likely be 'late-onset' which is far more common and far less serious than 'early onset'.

thinking of you and take care - and just trust that everything is going to be ok! xxxx