Smaller AC measurement

[theresaplaceforus]

I’m 33 weeks today and had a growth scan yesterday due to some reduced movements over the weekend although they have picked up again now.
The scan showed head & legs on/above 50th centile and stomach around 20th.
They are going to scan again in 2 weeks time. I was ok at first but now I feel incredibly anxious and worried.
Has anyone else had this? What can I expect on the second scan and what will happen if there hasn’t been growth?

This could easily be normal, or could be a sign of growth dropping off. The answer will only become clear over time I’m afraid! Did they do some doppler blood flow measurements as well?

Sounds like you have a good follow up plan in place - the next scan they will repeat all the measurements and see how they are tracking over time. If they are steady or increased then you’ll likely be able to go back to normal. If there has been further growth drop off or other concerns then you may find the frequency of monitoring increases - to once or twice weekly scans and CTG monitoring for baby. Typically if there is a true growth drop off then the delivery target is 37-38 weeks - majority of people wouldn’t need to have the baby earlier than that but the frequent monitoring would pick up if baby needs out sooner.

It’s a pretty common position to be in so hopefully people will be along to share more personal experiences with you.

In the meantime between scans and appointments don’t hesitate to get checked out again if you’re at all worried about movements, or any other concerns.

Thank you for your reply @TenThousandSpoons0 they did the Dopplers and said that was normal, they will
be doing that again next week and the repeat scan the week afterwards.
It’s reassuring to know others would have been through something similar and hopefully someone will be able to share their experience. I feel very worried about her now but I know it’s good they are monitoring and she’s moving about as I type.

Try not to stress. In one of my scans, everything measured around the 50th percentile excepts her legs which barely registered at the lower end of the scale. I was a bit worried about there being something wrong and her having little stumps for legs but when she popped out they were ridiculously long!

Thank you @EventRider1 it’s just so worrying. Glad your little one is ok

Hey OP, similar thing happened to me except sonographer said AC was measuring on the 3rd percentile, whilst everything else was normal. was referred to consultant for a more thorough scan 3 days later who said baby's AC was on the 24th. from what I can remember legs and head and everything else was average/above average. since my scan with the consultant I've been scanned every 2 weeks, my scan after that baby's AC was on the 46th percentile and I have (hopefully) my last scan with the consultant tomorrow so have no idea what the expect then, she said that she thinks tomorrow will be the last scan and then I'll be removed off her service - oh and dopplers and everything were always fine. All I can say is don't be freaked out from one initial scan as the position of baby can really distort measurements and also it's about the baby's growth/development which can only really be followed by serial scans by the same consultant. All of your measurements are still within good range and babies have random growth spirts at different times. you get referred to fetal medicine if any of the measurements are below the 10th percentile so they're clearly not too worried about you especially if they're saying they'll see you in a couple weeks times. I remember how freaked out and worried I was and I really traumatised myself by looking at endless stuff online - please don't do that! I posted when I had my first scan and I found people's comments really reassuring - its really common! and also, scans, especially at such a late stage of gestation are notoriously inaccurate, its common for people to be induced for baby being 'too big' according to scans only to find baby wasn't big at all and vice versa. I think sometimes all this technology can make the experience of being pregnant very anxiety inducing (for me anyway!)

also, fetal measurements and overall size of baby has absolutely nothing to do with baby's genetic destiny if you see what I mean.

hope some of that helped xx

Thank you so much @strawberrycheesecake1989 can I ask you how many weeks pregnant were you when it was first picked up? I’m really pleased that your subsequent scans have been all good and you might not need anymore.

I had a low AC figure and two weeks later it was normal. The doctors said it was due to baby lying transverse meaning it was difficult to measure, often they can be out so if your other tests were normal then I would try not to worry. I know that’s easier said than done.

Thank you @Bolshybun can you remember what yours way by any chance?

my measurements are the other way round and i am as worried as you are.
www.mumsnet.com/Talk/pregnancy/4006576-35-weeks-abdominal-circumstance-97-but-baby-estimated-weight-50
Hope all goes well.

I had an induction at 37 weeks. Baby had stopped growing. She's absolutely fine

@theresaplaceforustheresaplaceforus I was 32 weeks. my 28 week fundal height measurement came up on the very big side and my 32 week measurement on the smaller side which automatically triggered me for a growth scan.

scan today was all normal and within range about baby's AC was on the 48th percentile so really don't worry as I went from...

32 week scan - 3rd percentile
32 week scan (3 days late with consultant) 24th percentile
34 week scan (with consultant) 46th
36 week scan (with consultant) 48th percentile..

so as you can see you really shouldn't let one scan reading worry you!

(oh and my 12 week 20 week scan measurements were all average/above average)

to be honest I think it was all to do with the fact that at this point in gestation its really hard to accurately measure baby. also, my baby became engaged pretty early on which is why I think my fundal height started to not follow the same curve on the graph as he was so low which is what caused me to be sent for a scan anyway.

if your dopplers were concerning they would not be leaving it 2 weeks to see you so from what you've said so far I just wouldn't even think about it. Oh, another thing is that after my first scan when I was told the AC was on 3rd percentile I really panicked and managed to speak to a fetal medicine consultant over the phone who said that even if the AC were on the 3rd percentile and all the other measurements and dopplers etc are normal it may just be a lanky baby and he didn't seem concerned at all. He said if they were worried at that scan they would've kept you in straight away.

I hope that's help alleviate your worries - stress does you and baby no good x so I wouldn't even think about it and just look forward to next scan as another excuse to see your baby! xx

@strawberrycheesecake1989 thanks so much for that reply and all the detail! You’re right, I should try and relax a little bit, I’ve got dopplers again next week so hoping they continue to be normal.
That’s really reassuring what the specialist said - I was thinking maybe she’s just got a small tummy after all we are all different sizes. It’s so easy to just let fear take over but I’ll try relax until the next check which is Wednesday plus I have a routine midwife on Monday and hearing the HB is always reassuring too.

@strawberrycheesecake1989 glad your scan today was all looking good :-)