Growth Scan Nervousness

[wendy2023]

Hi everyone,

I am 27.4 weeks pregnant and have just had a growth scan. Femur is measuring in 12th centile and abdomen 89th! I was told that its fine and normal by the sonographer but after being referred to fetal medicine at 20 weeks following smaller measurements on both of these areas (which consequently went up to 13th gentile for femur and 23rd for abdomen) I am just feeling really nervous and confused.

I don't have an allocated midwife at my hospital- you see a different one each time so I don't have anyone to ask questions to.

All other measurements are normal.

I had normal bloods and NT at 12 weeks as well as a low risk NIPT.

Any advice would be much appreciated :)

Firstly, the centiles mean nothing, as you'll have a personalised growth chart, that takes into consideration your age, weight, ethnicity and the weight of any babies you've previously had.

You also need to remember that measurements can be inaccurate (margin of error up to 300g off when it comes to estimated weight in the third trimester is what my consultant has said).

Do you not see a consultant after your growth scans? I always have an appointment with consultant immediately after each growth scan to discuss.

If the sonographer is saying everything looks fine though, I'd try not to worry. People come in different shapes and sizes :)

@2mumlife sorry I am new to this app and can’t work out how to directly reply!

Thank you for such a quick response! It’s my first baby so feeling quite anxious. Unfortunately I don’t get to see a consultant! I did have a Dr and consultant scan me at 20 weeks in the FMU but was referred back to the regular sonography department for any future growth scans. It’s good to know that the percentiles don’t mean anything and there is such margin for error. The difference in percentiles seems so minimal mm wise but I’ve just got myself in to such a state with it all since 20 weeks and the huge disparity between the 2 measurements they were originally looking in to has got my mine racing.

@wendy2023 In my experience they are very risk averse - so if there was anything unusual, they would have been referring you back to a consultant / FMU again. I'd really try not to worry unless you're told there is something to worry about x

thank you @2mumlife - long story but I was called back for a follow up a few days later. Obviously nothing had really changed except for femur now measuring in the 14th centile. I think I am just too focussed on the measurements but am so worried about something.

I have read so many horror stories. Must stay off google!

Any other positive experiences would be hugely appreciated!

@wendy2023 I had growth scans with both of my girls (10 years apart)

The eldest they was worried she was too small all the way through ... from weight to head circumference then stomach soze etc .... had growth scans up until 37 weeks; she came out fine and a healthy 7lb 13oz

Second child; again they was concerned she was small, my bump was "too small", my weight gain wasn't "good" , her head circumference was small etc - had growth scans up until 39 weeks (went into Labour at 40+1) and she again was fine; came out at 7lb 13oz as well

Second one was on the "smaller" side of the scale - she is petite even now - wears clothes 1 size smaller than she is - but she's fine with everything else :-)

@Mum2GirlSs thank you so much for the reply! So glad everything was great with your girls.

Unfortunately my pregnancy anxiety has been through the roof so I am over thinking everything

Hi - totally understand the pregnancy anxiety. I’m currently 39w and the baby went from 3rd centile on fundal height, to 40th at first ultrasound to 70th at second ultrasound, all within a matter of 2 weeks 🤦🏻‍♀️ my first one was slightly on the small side, I’m assuming the second will follow the same trajectory. Please try not to worry, ultrasound is a very imperfect measure (but the best we have!)

@Luluem thank you so much for the response! Honestly the worry the scans cause is insane. I just can’t get out of my head why the femur and abdomen are soo different!

Just wanted to provide an update…. Had another scan that I requested with FMU. They measured femur on 20th centile and all altogether measurements 45th and up. They really weren’t concerned at all which is encouraging but my mind obviously still telling me that the discrepancy in measurements is abnormal!

I should also say that the EFW is 73rd 😮