Growth scan confusion 33 weeks

[Gemmy2905]

I’m so confused when it comes to growth scans (I’m in the UK).

My midwife has been measuring my bump since I was 24 weeks pregnant and apart from once I’ve been sent for a growth scan as bump has been measuring small. One scan at 25 weeks said baby was 40th percentile then second growth scan at 30 weeks (at a different hospital) said 80th percentile so was told I could be expecting a 97th+ percentile baby at this rate of growth and booked another scan at 36 weeks as if baby is still measuring big they will discuss delivery options. Went for my midwife appointment at 33 weeks fundal height measured again and only 29cm so sent for another growth scan as my bump is below 3rd percentile on chart.

My midwife isn’t convinced at all that baby is 80th percentile and says baby doesn’t feel big to her so thinks they got that scan measurements wrong.

At this point I must of had 10+ nhs scans throughout this pregnancy and I don’t get paid by my work for any appointments so the financial strain and stress this is putting on me is substantial I either take unpaid leave or holiday. I’ve chosen to take maternity leave early as I just can’t deal with all these appointments as well as working full time.

anyone had a similar experience with growth scans?

Take them with a pinch of salt OP, mine were always way off!
I had my final scan just before DD was born which said she would be 7.5lbs...... she came 4 days later perfectly healthy, weighing 5lbs 15oz

Talk to your midwife if you think there are too many scans and appointments, you don't have to have them

I think fundal height is much more of an approximation as there's loads of factors that can influence it. I'd probably take the scans as more accurate, but with a pinch of salt as PP said.

So have you had three scans in 11 weeks, 25, 30 and 36 weeks? That doesn't sound too bad, but if you're still measuring big/small I'd take it as a good thing that you're being monitored.

Regarding time off work, the law says you should be given paid time off for all antenatal appointments which includes travel and waiting times. If you're not getting this then can you have a proper word with your employer about it? They're breaking the law by not allowing you paid time off, and you definitely shouldn't have to start your mat leave early because of it.
https://www.gov.uk/working-when-pregnant-your-rights

try not to worry much, at this point the scans and fundal measurements aren’t entirely accurate!

just want to echo pp, you’re entitled to paid time off for appointments! some of my appointments were before work but ran into my work hours, I just let my manager know in advance! if you’re not sure how to approach this:

“hey, just to let you know, I have an antenatal appointment on friday at 10am, should be straightforward but I might be in a little late!”

“my midwife/our maternity policy/the gov site says i’m entitled to paid time off for my antenatal appointments. I have an appointment coming up, do you know how I go about sorting this?”

or if you feel uncomfortable bringing it up to your manager, maybe query it with HR

if you feel the appointments are overwhelming definitely mention it to your midwife x

I had a growth scan at 25 and 30 weeks and have another one booked for 36 weeks, my midwife wanted to send me for one at 34 weeks but the referral has been rejected by the hospital so now just going for 36 weeks scan to see if baby is still big despite bump measuring very small. All the conflicting information has been very confusing. The hospital didn’t let me know it had been rejected either I had to ring them to find out what was going on as hadn’t heard anything.