Measuring small for dates and carrying baby low - should I be more concerned? (3rd pg)

[Misspaella]

Measuring small for dates in 3rd PG

Well I would love get some feedback from anyone who has every measured small for dates. I had my routine check-up w/hospital MW today and she is sending me for a growth scan in 5 weeks times as I measured 26 (just) instead of 28+. I have not had this flagged at my 20 weeks scan or at my last MW appt. I am feeling a bit worried now.

I have been putting on weight (about a stone so far) but I did lose some weight at the beginning due to my rubbish MS. Also, I am still feeling my MS so not exactly eating for England. Could this be why?

She did say not too worry (easier said than done) and to wait and see.

I am also carrying the baby quite low and even the MW said the baby was low (on another note, is that something to worry about too?).

Anyway if any of you have had this in past pg and can give me advice let me know.

Carrying low? No i dont think its something to worry about its your 3rd PG. the muscles around your womb are not going to be as strong or toned. just rest as much as poss.

my baby was small for dates. I was said to be 23 weeks at my 27 week scan ( growth scan ), but when dd was born 4 weeks early she weighed more than the average baby at her gestation.Midwife wouldnt beilive me when i said shell be around 5,9. MW said shed be 4 something. She came out 5,11! and v.long.

But I do no a lady who told me today that they got her dates wrong and so they thought her baby was overdue (as quite big) but it turned out to be that she was actually prem. When she was born, the midwife couldnt believe it. I know this is the opposite, but they can get so much stuff mixed up.

Try not to worry....I know, like you said, easy to say, not easy to do.... Measuring behind or ahead a couple of weeks or so is not unusual, even more so with just a one time read. If you were to continue to fall behind, that would be a concern.

Fundal height measurements are not altogether the most useful tool, just one of several for sizing, and some midwives don't even check it anymore. Many factors can play a role: number of pregnancies, baby's position, amount of amniotic fluid at the time, location of the placenta, length of your torso, as well as possibly baby's size.

The scan is a precaution....better to have a midwife who is proactive than one who is inactive. If she was very concerned, she would have you in much sooner than 5 weeks time.

bump

Second everything doulalc says, 2cm difference really isn't something you should have to worry about - especially as it's your third child, and I'd say the sitting low bit is all part of the same issue. Your tummy is dealing with this for the third time, it's not going to stay up at 28+!

Please don't worry about the eating thing - you certainly haven't put on a ridiculously small amount of weight - but maybe make sure you are getting a bit of everything when you can eat - for your own health - carbs, protein, fat, a multivitamin? The baby will take what it needs so if anything you will be the one to suffer, not the baby.

I was about 4cm out earlier this pregnancy, and then the obstetrician just stopped measuring :-) I've had loads of scans though, and they've all be fine/spot on. Exactly the same with DS1.

It's good they're doing a scan, but please try and put your mind at rest til then. If you're still worried, see if you can get a doppler, or other checks/measured again at your local MAU or similar (or midwife at GP practice?)....

PS Just remembered SIL was worried silly with the same 2cm. The baby was breech at the time. When the baby turned - her numbers evened out too. so, another possibility.

Thanks for all this. It has put my mind to rest a bit. You are right, if there was a real concern they wouldn't wait 5 weeks to check. And 2 cm off is not the end of the world.

Just being a tad neurotic feeling worried. Hormones I guess.