Large for gestational age - help!

[Carabu1]

Hello ladies! I’m nearly 32 weeks, and have just had a growth scan which shows baby has grown a huge amount since last scan 2 weeks ago - that one was normal/average, and now it’s up on 98th percentile. I’m short, petite, and have gained within recommended limits of weight, have exercised daily, and a blood test shows I don’t have gestational diabetes. I’m so confused why baby is suddenly so huge, what’s wrong, and very scared I’m going to have to have an induction which I really don’t want. Does anyone have any words of wisdom - should I accept an induction, would an elective c section be better, and why is baby suddenly enormous?! Help!

[pjani]

@Carabu1 I recommend the gestational diabetes UK facebook group and website, lots of food ideas. Basically never have a naked carb - always pair with protein/fats. Limit carbs and everything wholemeal.

[Piccalily19]

@Carabu1 so frustrating! I’m the same about eating now, not had a massive sweet tooth through pregnancy but even worrying about fruit now 🤦🏼‍♀️ Hopefully our results come back soon!
Im also praying my next scan in 2 weeks shows he’s slowed down a bit 😬

[Needingsupportplease]

I was told my baby would be 6.8 she was 8.6! Born at 40+4 thank god I didnt go 2 weeks over. I'm 5 foot and was a size 6. She got stuck and I needed an emcs. But my growth scans were way off!

[Carabu1]

@Piccalily19 its so frustrating isn't it?! I was initially on growth scans because baby was small...and now its apparently ballooned?! I just feel so depressed and frustrated and like whatever I do I cant win. Will wait and see what results from test today were, and have an appt at GD clinic on Friday just in case.

Kind of scared to eat anything now in case I end up with an enormous obese baby, but not sure if that can be good either?!

[Carabu1]

I’ve booked myself in for a private gtt tomorrow morning so fingers crossed I can get a definitive answer to that, at least. If it’s really not gd I guess I’ll just have to hope the growth evens out a bit by itself...!

[Piccalily19]

Hi! I’m so glad I’ve seen this post.
Got told I had low Papp-a at my initial bloods so would have growth scans- risk he’d be small.
20 week scan showed baby to be average.
26 extra growth scan today and baby is suddenly triple his 20 week weight and on the 97th centile. So now I’ve had to have a blood test for GD and another scan in 2 weeks.
Im tall and a size 10/12 pre pregnancy, big babies run in my side of the family but MIL said all 3 of hers were average 8lb’ers.
Oh and I’m constantly being told how tiny my bump is. So much contradictory information!

[Wilfy101]

Hi op, been there two years ago. I started measuring two weeks ahead but had a very laid back midwife, saw another midwife who thought I was measuring too far ahead for midwife led unit.
Long story short, I was induced on my due date (not a chance was that working) admitted to the ward for five days, induction can be long and exhausting as the wards are busy / noisy.
Refused a c section by a doctor, didn't think to fight my corner being a first time mum and ended up back to back labor, forceps and an emergency c section. Baby was a healthy 10.8!
Now pregnant with number two, consultant led and I've made it very clear I want an elective c section. If it makes you feel better, the advancement and way they are managing covid amongst maternity is fantastic, my hospital has rapid testing in place already.

[Dustysilkflowers]

You might just be having a big baby! I’m 5,4 wasn’t over weight and dd2 was 10lb

Had to come out the hatch as obviously was too big for my foo foo

[Carabu1]

@caringcarer that would be so amazing. Thanks for letting me know! I’ll def ask...

[caringcarer]

Catabu I heard on TV tonight those rapid Covid test 15 mins could be used do partners can share birthing experience. You might get your partner after all. Ask you our midwife ahead of birth do she can get one in for you.

[atz333]

I had a growth scan at 32 weeks and they said baby was too small. I dropped from the 50th to below 3rd centile. Two weeks later at 34 weeks they said baby was measuring on the 50th again and put it down to difficulty in scanning as baby was far down in my pelvis.
I have another booked for next week (will be 38 weeks) and am not really worried anymore because I realised just how inaccurate scans can be.
It's actually a common misconception that those with a high bmi are the ones who get gestational diabetes. There are lots of low and in 'normal' range mums who end up with it too unfortunately.

I think you shouldn't worry too much but wait for your next scan. Hopefully everything will come back as normal!

[Carabu1]

@peachypetite they are currently saying they won't do GTT because of Covid. I'm pretty unhappy, and currently ringing round trying to find somewhere to get one privately...but it may be it's too late for me too. So stressful. How was your scan? I've just downloaded a GD diet, and think I'm going to try and follow it in the meantime on account it cant do any harm?!

[Scottishskifun]

Growth scans are well known to be very inaccurate so I wouldn't panic!
I have had so many friends being told they have big babies it's going to be an issue etc etc some went for induction others didn't none were above 8lb. Me on the other hand measured average all the way and had a 9lb 57cm baby! 😂
Yes follow the investigation of GD but I wouldn't stress too much. My friend also found that the minute she turned around and said fine I will take a planned c section but not induction suddenly it turned to oh we will keep monitoring you.....

[pjani]

@Carabu1 yes worth a try! Have a look at the NICE guidelines for GD. If the GTT is recommended in a case like yours that would be helpful to take along with you.

[peachypetite]

@Carabu1 I’ve been told I’m too far along for the oral test for GD so had the fructosamine blood test but it doesn’t seem that reliable?

[Carabu1]

@pjani that’s interesting. I did ask for this, but have been told my trust won’t do it unless your blood tests indicate it...maybe I need to call back and be a bit pushier?!

[pjani]

I had GD and from my time in a helpful Facebook group I believe the blood test is mot very reliable. I think it maybe shows how things have been over the last 3 months but hormones fluctuate so much over pregnancy. The GTT (the sugary drink) test is so much more reliable as it looks at how your body tolerates glucose right now. If you do have GD there is time to make changes to help the baby. I would suggest asking for the GTT.

[Carabu1]

@GreyishDays as far as I know pretty average. I don’t want to ask her though, because with Covid and everything she’s already worried about me and I don’t want to make it worse.

@nicciw87 fingers crossed! I was proper knock out exhausted for a week or so and am feeling better now, so maybe it was a growth spurt.

I’m just so impatient and anxious - all I can do is wait and see and I hate it, ha.

[nicciw87]

32 weeks my lo was measuring 4 weeks ahead by the time he got to 38weeks he was measuring bang on 38weeks sometimes they have a growth spurt and then growth slows to normal. He was born at 41+1 and 8lb 7oz

[GreyishDays]

Your mum is your closest relative, how big were you and any siblings?

Just adds an extra bit of info to the picture, don’t rely on it too much.

[Carabu1]

Thank you so much for all these replies - feeling a bit better about it knowing I'm not alone! @hopsalong I'm a bit like you by the sounds of it - I was actually a bit underweight when I got pregnant, and am generally short and small all over...so this was not an issue I was anticipating at all...! I don't have any close relatives with babies (apart from my Mum I guess?!) so don't know if it's "normal" for my family or not.

I think part of what stresses me out about induction is atm DH couldn't be there until established labour - because of Covid - whereas he would be allowed in for all of a c section, so at least I'd have some support and someone to fight my corner. If he could come into an induction I'd be much less worried about it. Tbh I'm furious those are the rules; but they're not going to change, so not much point focusing on that.

Sounds like I'd better wait for next scan at 34 weeks and hope for a miracle/that sonographer got a bit carried away. My midwife has been going on about how small she thinks baby will be when doing her examinations, so there doesn't seem to be much consensus....!

@BonnieBleu and @peachypetite I hope your scans and induction go well. Let me know how you get on :)

[peachypetite]

I could have written this too OP. I have another scan today (36 weeks) and hoping for some clarification.

[BonnieBleu]

I am in this position.
Baby has measured big in the 4 growth scans I've had.
Last measured 7lbs and 14ozs at 36+ 2
I was offered either induction or elective c-section by first consultant. Second one did say she'd recommend early induction.
I've decided to go for an early induction. This could be next week at 37 weeks or week after at 38 weeks.
I know scans are not always accurate, but also not willing to put myself or baby at risk

[catnoir1]

I was told dd would be 8lbs roughly. She was 11lb 4oz and was a couple weeks early.

Growth scans are not accurate. Growth scans were way off with my son.

[caringcarer]

My niece was told she was having a big baby and she is a petit size 10. Her DH is tall. She was not induced and went overdue. She begged for an induction or section but was told no be side of Covid. Baby 10 lb and 5 Oz and she had dreadful labour and after baby was part way out doctor decided baby was stuck and so after 20 hours of labour she had to.havr emergency section in the end and her DH was.not allowed to stay with.her after taking her to hospital door he got sent away. If baby is still large for dates further into pregnancy and you are offered any form of early delivery be it induction or planned section grab it gratefully. I hope your DH will be with. You when you have your baby.