Concerned as measuring small at 28 weeks

[francesrivis]

Hello, I had my 28 week checkup today and am a bit concerned as I have been referred for a growth scan. This is because I am measuring under the 10th centile on my 'personalised growth chart' (don't know if they have these in all areas, they have recently introduced them in mine). Quite confused though as the midwife said that according to the old, general chart I would be above the 10th centile. Can't help worrying about what will happen at the scan on Monday - has anyone any experience of this? Also, just wondering if anyone knows anything about these personalised charts and what they base them on? TIA

Presumably these new 'personalised' charts take into account your size as well as the baby's.
I shouldn't worry too much I've heard lots of people have baby's that were 'small for dates' that have ended up perfectly normal sized when born.

i measured small at about the same stage as you. it was just because baby was lying transverse.

I honestly think it's a waste of time measuring bump. and if you search the archives on here for growth scans you will find out how extraordinarily inaccurate they are too!!!

(one person was told her baby would be 6lb and he was 10lb!!)

Please try not to worry: ime, every midwife measures the baby (as far as they can do it at all) differently - with fingers, palms, measuring tape and comes up with a different version of estimated size. I'm sure you will be absolutely fine. Try to treat it as just another opportunity to get a glimpse of your lo. Enjoy the last stage and good luck.

Thanks, this is helpful. Coincidentally I met a couple of midwives on a training course today and was talking to them about it - they were reassuring as well. It's a bit frustrating though as neither they nor the midwife I saw yesterday knew what the personalised charts are based on! Does anyone else have any ideas?

bump

No idea, but I went for a growth scan based on measurements and all was fine. I found that my bump size was bigger/smaller at certain times of the day.

Your talking about something called a 'grow' chart - I think.

The chart should take your baby's size at the anatomy scan [or 1st scan where measurements are obtained] into account before setting the centiles.

It's to avoid the scenario where, say, a baby at 36 weeks scans as below 50th centile well within normal. But was in fact a 97th centile baby at anatomy and has suffered interuterine grow retardation. [IUGR]

A person reviewing the 36 week scan in isolation could miss the 'reduction in growth velocity' - anatomy scan measurements not available, different hospital etc etc.

They are quite new to the Uk but have been in development a while.

I think this is correct anyway! Maybe ask D at hospital more about them. But defo second everyones advice about trying not to worry.

x

www.gestation.net/fetal_growth/fetal_growth.htm

Says it much more cleverly than me!

Thanks, that is really helpful. It makes sense as at the 20 week scan baby was measuring slightly larger than average. I seem to remember my dd followed a similar pattern - on the 50th centile for ages, then dropped off to the 9th by the time she was born. I think at this stage she was still on the 50th though. Anyway, will see what they say tomorrow.

BTW, since posting on Thursday I have found out that my sister had the same issue when pg with her second baby, as did my mum when pregnant with her second! (although both these were before the days of personalised growth charts). Perhaps some strange genetic factors going on ....

It'll be cool - and you can have a good nosey at what bubs is up to!

If it helps, I also measured small at 28 weeks. Has lots of growth scans, ds2 was growing very slowly. He was diagnosed IUGR and delivered at 38+5 weighing 4lb15. He was absolutely fine; didn't need any special care, bf straight away and we were home 3 days later.

So even if your baby is "small for dates" it's not necessarily anything to worry about. Good luck for your scan .

Panic over - scan today showed that baby is a perfectly good size - on 50th centile in fact! So I shall be taking the midwife and her tape measure with a pinch of salt in future. Thanks for support