Baby measuring small

[dullgrey]

Yesterday at 32 + 2 I was informed that baby is measuring small, 8th centile.

During the scan I was told she was measuring fine and weighing around 4lb (I know these can never be accurate) but when I saw the consultant he said that based off my own weight and height the baby is very small according to their charts.

This was a surprise as I've previously had two nearly 9lb babies.

He reassured me, but said I would need another scan in two weeks. If she drops or stays the same? (I can't remember exactly what he said) then he would be booking my c section for 37 weeks.

Nothing was said that may explain baby's small size.

Could anyone share their own experiences with similar situations?

How does she compare to previous scans? My DD1 was dropping down the growth charts at every scan (20w, 28w, 32w and 36w). At 36w, she was 9th centile. Even then, induction was only recommended for 39w, not immediately or 37w. So you can absolutely ask the question about what happens if you wait. 37w is still a good gestation so if baby needs to be born for their own safety, it isnt super early. Your consultant should be able to explain the risks vs benefits based on your own personal medical history.

As it was, I went into spontaneous labour at 38w and she was 5lb 12oz. So little but not as small as the scan suggested. I had had an issue with high pressure in a uterine artery and I also developed high blood pressure at 37w, so both those factors were thought to have affected her growth.

Hi OP. My son was born on the 9th centile at 5lbs at 36 weeks. By about four weeks im not sure anyone would know he was small or premature. He grew quickly and only had a small touch of jaundice.

@dullgrey take the measurements with a pinch of salt. I was told at 38 weeks DC was measuring at 5lbs 15oz, then I ended up giving birth at 41 weeks through induction and DC was actually 5lbs 9oz which was on the 1 centile measurement. Baby was measuring small through the pregnancy albeit still growing so no concerns raised, induction was due to being overdue. DC is growing great now born and is on track with weight gain.

Hi OP. I’m 35+4 with baby 3. I am very tall and always have small bumps (though this one feels enormous to me!) resulting in repeated referrals from growth scans.

Have moved to a new area since my older children were born, and they use personalised growth charts here. I’m having to have regular scans again as my second was born on the 9th centile given my height. Current baby seems to be just over the 10th, but will be scanned again next week.

Older two were 7lb something and almost 7lb, which doesn’t seem particularly tiny, so I don’t feel too worried.

Personalised growth chart sounds familiar, I think that's what he said he was using when comparing measurements based on my height and weight. (I'm short, but rather overweight!)

This is the first growth scan I've had this pregnancy. They did plan to do one at 28 weeks, but at some point decided it wasn't necessary.

I suppose time will tell, I just like to be mentally prepared which is a struggle! I trust that they will do what they believe is best, but I know the scans can be way off in some cases. I just didn't want to do any manic googling 😂

All being well my c section is booked for 39 weeks on my birthday! 😅