Reassurance/honesty - Baby measuring small

[HJDavies579]

Hello,

I had my anomaly scan 2 weeks a go where I was told that babys head circumference was in the 4th percentile and baby was overall measuring a week smaller (not a surprise, at my dating scan they measured me a week larger than anticipated). I've since had a growth scan and have been informed that babys head circumference is now less that the 3rd percentile and femur length is in the 5th percentile. Baby is also measuring a week smaller but has shown 2 weeks worth of growth. I have now been urgently referred to fetal medicine and awaiting an appointment.

Just looking for some reassurance or honesty from those who have been through a similar experience.

I had a sort of similar experience with my first pregnancy. I was sent for an additional scan at around 36 wks due to DS measuring small. I was given very little reassurance from the midwife and I was worried sick. However my scan showed he was fine and was actually born at almost 9 pounds. Perfectly healthy. Good luck to you

Hi, I had a growth scan for both of mine and both times their estimate were pounds out, and both DC were big and healthy.

I can't guarantee that this is always the case, but certainly my experience, and anecdotally from others, is to take their estimates with a pinch of salt. Having said that, chase your midwife and ask for advice

Thought I would give a little update should anyone else goes through a similar experience and comes across my post.

Had my first appointment with fetal medicine, where I had another full anomaly scan. Baby was still measuring around the 5th percentile however had shown growth within a week and the head, femur and abdominal measurements were coming in proportion to one another. Baby did not appear to have any obvious issues from the ultrasound. Decision was made to run a viral blood screen to rule out any nasty viral infections and to have a fetal brain MRI to get a more detailed look and rule out any further developmental issues and some obvious genetic deformaties.

Had my follow up consultation today with fetal medicine (4 weeks after the first and after the MRI/blood results). Ultrasound and baby's measurements were taken again. Overall baby is showing appropriate amount of growth however is still around the 5th-9th percentile for head, abdominal and femur measurements. Otherwise, the ultrasound was normal. MRI results come back as normal and viral bloods come back negative for all tested.

I'll be returning to fetal medicine for a review and a growth scan in 4 weeks times and a scan with my local hospital in 2 weeks times.

Turns out baby is fine, just small!

Really glad to hear that things are looking good for your little one. Best of luck with the rest of pregnancy, hopefully you can relax and actually enjoy it after what must have been a really worrying few weeks.

@AutumnVibes thank you! Can look forward to the milestones and relax into the third trimester now