Bump not growing at 40 weeks

[bluemoon2468]

Just looking for some reassurance really, but also happy to hear less positive stories as I want a realistic picture of what's to come. I had my 40 week midwife appt today and she said that she's concerned because my bump hasn't grown since 2 appts ago at 36 weeks. I've dropped from consistently above the 90th percentile to the 50th percentile, and have been referred for a growth scan, but because of the weekend I won't be seen until Monday or Tuesday (I'll be 40+2 or 3 then). She said not to worry too much, but also said that it could mean placental insufficiency or reduced amniotic fluid, and I should take all of my hospital bags to the scan appt incase I need an urgent c-section or induction. Just have to get through the weekend without worrying too much now 😔 Can I hear your experiences of bump measuring small, particularly at full term, and what the outcome was?

I thought it was supposed to stop growing around 36 weeks at least mine did. 50% centile is not small. It is bang on average. My friend was told 90% centile for her entire pregnancy and baby when born was 50% centile.

I had this at a 39 week appointment.

All was ABSOLUTELY FINE (most important thing), but things did happen quickly.

I was sent for a growth scan the next morning, and they sent me to labour ward, who scheduled me for a CS that afternoon.

DD was totally fine, just a bit mini (and it turned out, transverse breech so thank F for the section).

In hindsight it was a good way for things to happen - everything was so quick I didn't have time to fret. But yes, do take your hospital bag.

Good luck!

I had the same with DC3 except the bump had shrunk by 2cm according to my MWs measurements.

I had a scan which showed a happy, healthy baby who was born on schedule. (Elective section)

Fundal height is really useful to track growth etc but it's not exact which is why you'll be scanned. I'll keep everything crossed that it's just one of those things and you're holding your baby soon. X

I experienced this at my 36 week appt, bump hadn’t grown as much as expected. Went for a growth scan the next day (Thursday) and baby was measuring below the centiles on the chart and was also undiagnosed transverse! I had a c section on the following Tuesday at 37 weeks, she weighed 4lbs 13oz. We had a 1 week hospital stay as she needed help with her blood sugars (tube feeding) and regulating her body temp (incubator) and also treatment for jaundice. All of these are common in low birth weight babies and she is doing well now at 5.5 weeks, only difficulties we have had is problems breastfeeding due to her size.

Try not to worry too much, the main thing is to monitor baby’s movements, any changes whatsoever go and get seen (take your bags with you just in case). All the best at your scan!

@SebandAlice the midwife said it's not the fact that its 50th percentile that's a problem, it's the fact that I haven't grown for 4 weeks whereas I should have stayed on the same trajectory which might indicate that baby isn't getting enough nutrients. I'm not sure about stopping growing at 36 weeks 🤷🏼‍♀️ The lines on the growth chart I have in my hospital folder continue to go upwards all the way to 42 weeks.

@PaulinePetrovaPosey @unexpectedthird @notasillysausage thanks so much for sharing your stories. She did say to be extra vigilant about movements over the weekend and to err on the side of caution and go in if I'm even slightly concerned. Great to hear that all of your babies have done well, even if a little small. Just have to try and manage my anxiety over the weekend and go to the scan prepared for any eventuality!

If it was me, i wouldnt wait the weekend

I would go in and say i have limited movements

I know your not suppose to lie, but your baby needs to come out

And while your there they will look at your notes

Mine stopped growing about 32 weeks and the remaining 8 weeks of my pregnancy I had a scan every week. He came out on the 50th centile and healthy. He has stayed on the 50th centile so clearly it is where he is meant to be.

@HotToCold thanks, but I'm not sure I want to panic unnecessarily and assume baby definitely needs to come out immediately. I'll definitely be extra vigilant to movements, but he's currently going absolutely mad in there so he seems okay for now 😊

@HotToCold

If it was me, i wouldnt wait the weekend

I would go in and say i have limited movements

I know your not suppose to lie, but your baby needs to come out

How do you know her baby "needs to come out"?

I wouldn’t worry to much until your scan.
My bump has grown since 32 weeks, I had a growth scan at 33 weeks, 36 and 39 weeks.
Baby is growing as she should be. At 39 weeks she was measuring 8Ib. And perfectly healthy. They aren’t sure why bump/fundal height isn’t increasing but are happy she’s doing just fine. Now 39+5 and praying she comes soon!

I had this with my last baby. Bump hardly grew in the final 6 wks. I had 2 growth scans which were fine. When the baby was born (at 40+9) she was a healthy 8 pounder. I’m tall with a long back so I think there is just plenty of room without my bump sticking out that much. I’ve been fairly small in all my pregnancies.

I think you’re totally fine to monitor movements over the weekend and get the scan next week. Good luck x

Bless you OP. Just get yourself back there if you are the slightest bit worried about movements.

@Moo678 I'm also tall so I wonder if that plays a role.

Thankfully, it's like baby knows I'm concerned and wants to reassure me - he's probably been more active than ever today 😁

Mine said the same turns out the baby had turned and was transverse. A scan confirmed this.

@unmarkedbythat

Obviously i dont KNOW that, but shes 40 weeks and the midwife is concerned and baby possibly hasnt grown

Just said what my opinion is.

Im sure OP will do what she wants

In my experience measuring growth using the fundal measurement is hugely inaccurate!!!

I got sent in for an urgent scan at 35 weeks because the growth had apparently dropped from around 50th percentile to 10th percentile

In fact the scan had showed a spike in growth to the 90th percentile

I was so worried about being too small...when in fact it is too big and I was diagnosed with gestational diabetes

Try not to worry and wait for the scan x if they waited 2 appts to refer you for a scan they must not have been too concerned?

How did you get on OP?

I had something very similar. Had weekly scans from 37 weeks but DD was fine and was born of her own accord at 39+4. She was only just over 6lb (smaller than her 7lb 5oz sister) but now she’s older, she’s just smaller than her very tall sister. DD1 takes after DHs tall, broad, big footed family and DD2 takes after my maternal side who are small and slight.

Update: I never made it to my growth scan because baby boy was born at 10am yesterday morning weighing a very healthy 8lbs 4oz! Scan was booked in for the same day at 4pm!

Congratulations @bluemoon2468! Enjoy those wonderful newborn cuddles!

Congratulations

Congratulations!

Wow amazing OP! CONGRATS!! 🎊