20 week scan - small baby

[walking123]

Have recently been for my 20 week scan and everything seemed normal, but as I was leaving I was advised my baby was smaller than normal and I would need extra scans. From my notes my measurements are on the 5th centile. The next day I recieved a letter to go back for another scan at the fetal medicine unit under consultant care, this is in a couple of days. Is this normal or should I be concerned that my baby's growth is more serious than I though?

don't panic don't panic don't panc

just posting quickly as baby needs nappy change

i was told same thing whne I was pg with DD
had regular scans
she was 8lb 4 at birth

they're keeping a careful eye, so relax and enjoy seeing baby all those extra times that most mums to be don't get

I had a similar experience to MamaG
Had several extra scans throughout the pregnancy
DD was a perfectly respectable 7lb.

In most cases they really are just erring on the side of caution

Thank you. Just what I needed to hear.

I also had extra scans with DD1. Even a couple of weeks before her birth they were saying to expect her to be 5lbish. She was 8lb.

The others are right, these scans are often inaccurate. However, in my case, they were right - ds2 was small. BUT, he was delivered a couple of weeks early, weighed 4lb 15, and was absolutely fine.

So, even if it's correct on this occasion, at least they've spotted it and can keep an eye on you and the baby.

Best of luck.

me too. was told low fluid and baby behind by 2 weeks but she was fine 6lb 10. put it this way if there is something to worry about at least they know about it and can take care of it. x

snap supergreenuk, had extra scans with my second as he was going be 'very much on the small side' - in the end a perfectly respectable 6lb 10. I guess he did look titchy compared to the 9 pounders but not exactly the tiniest baby in the world! Remember that as long as a baby is on the scale, it is 'normal', they can't all be on the 50th centile! (He is now 14 months and still between the 2nd and the 9th)...

The sonographer told me that at our 20-week scan and booked us in for a growth scan at 36 weeks. However when we got on the bus after we looked at my notes and realised the measurements are actually all over the 95th percentile and in fact the baby is big, not small (plus I am convinced they got my dates wrong at my first scan in which case the measurements are normal). The midwife agreed with me next time I saw her. I wouldn't be too concerned.

is this your first baby, they also take into account your bmi, if it is low or high you have extra scans. are you petite? could baby be following a family trait? the centiles are only a guide. they are following a percentage, so, 5% of the countries babies will be under the 5% centile, 5% will be over the 95% centile, and the rest in the middle. its just an average, yes some time there may be a reason but more often than not its all normal for your family and your baby. Is baby smaller on all the measurements or just 1 or 2 of the measurements?

Thanks everyone for your responses.

Pinkheart - Yes I am quite small and was a small baby. My husband is medium height and build, but also a small baby.

When the sonographer said the baby was small I was not overly concerned as am not really expecting a big baby. Just worried by the immediate letter that followed to visit the fetal medicine unit.

Yes all the babies measurements were smaller so I guess that means the baby is in proportion x