Baby growth slowing down...

[Flowerface]

I am 31 weeks pregnant. For the last few antenatal appointments the baby has been measuring big - about a week over her actual age. Today she has suddenly started measuring on the small side. Although the midwife thinks there is no need for alarm, I AM a bit alarmed... Does anyone know what the possible reasons for a slowing of growth could be? Should I be worried?

Are these ultrasound measurements?

how big or small are we talking? assuming you mean the fundal height, anything 2cm bigger or smaller than dates is fine. anything more than that is probably still fine but you'd be referred for an ultrasound scan to check.

don't assume it means growth is slowing - could be a change in fluid volume, or simply that the baby has shifted position

don't assume it means growth is slowing - could be a change in fluid volume, or simply that the baby has shifted position

oops

No, they're not ultrasound, just with a tape measure... They are not sufficiently worried to do an ultrasound yet, which I guess is reassuring...

Unless the measurements are done via ultrasound, there really is no cause to worry. If they were remotely concerned, you would be going for another scan.

Really wouldn't worry then.

On my due date, my midwife said I was measuring small for dates using the tape measure. All my growth scans had been fine until 38 weeks but my daughter's growth had slowed in the last 2 weeks. She sent me for an emergency scan, which showed that my placental fluid had dropped in volume. They decided to induce me straight away. I am not saying this is the case with you, but perhaps have a growth scan for reasurrance and don't be fobbed off. Also, look out for any leakage of fluid.

I have been 'leaking' in a big way for some weeks (months) now but have been told it's normal discharge rather than amniotic fluid.... Guess we'll just see how the next week goes. I don't really know what the causes of slowed growth might be, is all.