Large head at 32 weeks

[Louiseemily90]

Hi,

I’ve had a few growth scans and they’ve always shown the head is bigger than the other measurements but it went over 97th percentile on the most recent one so I’ve been referred to fetal medicine and am having a more in-depth consultant scan on Monday.
I just can’t help but really worry about what it might mean for the baby because they haven’t really said what they’re looking for or anything. I’m also worried that this might mean I have to have a planned section which I really really don’t want, especially given that my hospital still have quite heavy covid restrictions.

Has anyone had any experience with this? Can anyone shed any light?

Thank you

I can sort of help. I had an extra scan about the same time as his head was measuring off the chart. I had another scan at 37 weeks where they decided he was massive in general and a planned section a couple of days later. He was 11lb 13. We were referred to paediatrics for the first few months until they decided he was totally fine and just had a bigger head. He's 11 and grown into it now. He's also 5ft 8 at 11 so he's a giant in general. Good luck OP, hopefully everything will be just fine.

Sorry I thought you said you were 32 weeks, I must have imagined that. That's when I had my scan that they thought there might be a problem anyway.

Hi @toughdaay thank you so much for your reply, yes I was 32 weeks when it got picked up! Will be 33 weeks for my next scan and then every 2 weeks after that. It’s good to hear that everything might be ok. If baby ends up that big I think I’ll be happy for the option of a section! Thank you for replying. X

Just to add, I only had a section at 37 weeks because I'd previously had one and they were a bit worried about my scar holding up.

My daughter’s head circumference was >98th centile. Only discovered post delivery. She has grown into her head. No issues at all! X

Both mine were above 99th centile at birth and still are. Just means I buy them big hats. Both were sections for non-head related issues, and both under 7lbs.

I wouldn't worry about it too much atm. Elcs is not that bad. My 1st one I didn't want it but twins were breech and transverse at my final scan so it was the safest thing for them, it was much better than I expected.
Our 3rd had a big head, it was 37.7cm at birth. Natural unassisted delivery and she was 9lb 10oz, no health issues and only took 3 pushes to get her out. Her brother before her was 10lb 12oz and had a big head but also very broad shoulders that took a bit of effort to push out, 14mins but unassisted so not too bad.
Current one had a head at the top of the charts at 31+6, she'd got so low down by 35+6 scan that they couldn't measure it so not sure how much bigger it's got. Her other measurements had jumped up above the 97th centile though so just big overall. They want to bring her at 39wk and I've opted for elcs over induction as induction could double my risk of scar rupture. Got less than 2 weeks to go now.

Thank you for your replies that really helps to know it is probs oh nothing. Good luck with your next delivery @Chelyanne