How concerned should I be about baby measuring 97th percentile?

[Merryclaire]

Due to a couple of health issues - higher BMI and hypothyroidism - as well as being 40, I was warned I was at risk of having a big baby so they arranged growth scans.

Had my first one at 30 weeks and they are saying baby is measuring 97th percentile! For both the femur and the abdomen, although the head is not overly big. The estimated weight is already 4.6lbs! Only just been tested for GD, so it’s not that.

They said we’ll have to see if the trend continues and, if so, discuss delivery options closer to the birth.

Anyone else experienced this and have any reassurance for what it’s like to deliver a big baby? I’m scared at the idea of birthing a 10 or 11 pounder!

Morning, my baby was measuring on the 90th percentile. He was born at 39+3 weighing 8lb 11. I had to have forceps but it wasn't as bad as it sounds.

You will be ok and they will keep up with the growth scans, it's just so hard not to worry!

He's 7 months now and is in no way a big baby.

Good luck xxx

My baby was measuring on the 90th line, I was monitored as my bump was too big, too small, too big (it was REDICULOUS!) Was told to expect a 9lb Baba, and along came my 7lb 9oz little boy born on the 37th percentile and 40 weeks+1 Honestly the growth scans just add more worry!

Honestly, take it with a pinch of salt. I was told my eldest was a big baby, she was predicted at 7lb at 36 weeks, but was born at 41 weeks weighing 7lb 15oz. She had long legs and a slightly big head (still does 😂) which made her appear larger on the scans. Follow the named doula on insta, she mentions about induction for so called big babies x

My 97 percentile baby was born 53cm and 4.3kg but had small shoulders - no dystocia. I didn't have diabetes - just a huge placenta. They dropped down to 50 percentile as a toddler. No health issues at birth or after, it was all fine in the end, despite all the worry the midwives caused ahead of the birth.

My baby's head was measured as 97th percentile and I FREAKED OUT! My midwife told me not to worry as the measurements can be off.

Was absolutely fine. He was a big baby but not oversized.

DD1 was overdue and weighed 10lb. DD2 was 9lb 3oz at 39+3. I laboured for a long time with DD1, then had a section for ‘failure to progress’ after induction. DD2 I had an ELCS. Both my sections were great, with babies born in great condition and a quick recovery. I know some women have an easy time birthing big babies, but if you do need a section don’t worry - I had a really good experience. (Also then had an ELCS for DS who was only 8lb 4oz!)

Take it with a pinch of salt. My baby was also 97th percentile but was born 8lb6oz, natural birth with no pain relief needed. I tore but wasn't aware of it at the time as I didn't really feel anything down below, it was more numb, just the contractions that are higher up. Baby is now a healthy child, if anything on a slightly lower percentile, around 40th I think. Good luck op!

The scans are useless, my bump measured way above the 90th percentile scans said baby was more like 60th percentile and put big bump down to me being tall. When I got to 39 weeks I went into labour naturally and had a 9lb 11oz boy who gave me a 3rd degree tear and no pain relief as it happened so suddenly (they didn't know I was in labour when I turned up at hospital) . But scan I had week before measured him at 7lb 4oz. He did not put more than 2lb on in 1 week. 😂 Congratulations op enjoy these last weeks.

My first was measuring on the 97th centile on scans. She was 10lb 5oz, birthed normally. She's now a 5ft 8" beanpole at 13. My second measured 50th centile (on scans) except for her stomach (off the charts) and was 10lb 2oz again birthed normally. Try not to worry.

I was told baby was measuring at 7lb2 at week 36 scan and to expect a 9-10lb baby. As would put on around half a lb per week. My little girl was born (39 weeks) weighing 7lb14. I was told after that the measuring has a 25% accuracy rate either side.

Thanks everyone - I would like a natural birth ideally but if she’s going to be huge then I might have to rethink that! Hopefully the next scan will have her tracking not so high.

Hi, i got a growth scan done at 36 weeks as my fundal height suggested 39 weeks. But all went well with the scan apart from the head circumference measuring on the 97th centile. Should i be worried ?? Please suggest

I had to have growth scans as my bump was huge. Was told baby was around 90th percentile, but then he was born at 37+1 and was 6lb12. Had I gone full term maybe he would have been bigger, but he certainly wasn’t a big baby x