High-Risk Pregnancy

GD and Baby Measuring Small

Today, I had a growth scan. At my 20 Week A/S the doctor mentioned my little girl was measuring on the small side. At this scan as well, the doctor was concerned, because she was measuring in the bottom 10th percentile. He even half-joked that they might be starving me with the GD diagnosis.

I have an appt. with my regular OB on Monday. (Growth scans are done at a separate clinic in the same hospital). I'm planning to ask her about this, but I feel like the doctor I saw today was suggesting I eat more.

I have always been concerned about my caloric intake since I only weighed 110 pre-pregnancy and have only gained about 12 lbs so far. 

Since one of the primary concerns with GD is a too large baby, and my baby is measuring too small, I am feeling lost as to what to do.

Have any of you GD Mamas experienced this? What did you do to make sure your LOs were growing on track?

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Re: GD and Baby Measuring Small

  • I had two GD babies, both small - DD1 was 6lbs 11oz at 39w2d and DD2 was 6lbs even at 39w. DD1 always measured around 20%, DD2 measured large one week, small the next, large the next, etc. At one point she measured in the 5th percentile, but the doctors weren't concerned because blood flow through her cord looked good, she was passing BPPs with flying colors, and measurements were all over depending on the tech taking them and how the baby was positioned that day.

    They did mention in passing that if she remained in the 5th percentile they may consider increasing my carb/protein intake, and then increasing my insulin accordingly. We never got that far, and they feel pretty confident that I just make small babies.

    Mama to two sweet girls
    DD1 Feb 2010
    DD2 Sept 2011


    Pregnancy Ticker
  • It has nothing to do with your calorie intake, trust me. Yes, having GD causes for concern that the baby tends to be bigger, however; this isn't always the case. IMO that's when GD isn't controlled like it should be, or it goes undiagnosed. You are small to begin with, and if your partner is small also that could also mean your baby will be smaller. What did you and your partner weigh when you were born? You can get a pretty good idea of how big your baby will be. This isn't always the case, but typically babies go off their mothers birth weight.

    Your still pretty early on, only 5 months, the baby has another 5 months to put on weight. I wouldn't be overly concerned about it right now. Your Dr. will put you at ease I am sure when you see them next.

    I have never had GD with my pregnancies and DS1 was 7lb 6oz. DS2 was 7lb 2oz. I have GD this time around, and my baby 2 ultrasounds ago was in the 47th percentile. My last ultrasound he was in the 24th percentile. That's a pretty big drop, but they are not concerned with it, and it has nothing to do with my calorie intake. My OB predicts I will have another 7lb baby. Closer to your due date you can get a better idea of how big your baby will be.

    Don't stress! You've got a while to go!

    P.S. I was 7lb 5 oz when I was born, and DH was 7 lbs. Just for comparison. ;o)  

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  • With GD, you are at increased risk of IUGR. It has nothing to do with your caloric intake or the GD diet. If baby continues to measure small for gestational age, they will likely recommend induction. Some babies grow better outside the womb past a certain point. But, it is nothing you caused.
  • Thanks for your responses ladies. Yes, DH and I are both small people, but we were both around 6.5 lbs at birth (average).

    I am actually 7 months pregnant, not 5. Not sure if my ticker is messed up, but my EDD is 8/1. This is the 3rd U/S where she's measured small, and I really don't want to be induced, but will do whatever necessary to ensure my baby is healthy. 

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  • imageMrsWahidi:

    Thanks for your responses ladies. Yes, DH and I are both small people, but we were both around 6.5 lbs at birth (average).

    I am actually 7 months pregnant, not 5. Not sure if my ticker is messed up, but my EDD is 8/1. This is the 3rd U/S where she's measured small, and I really don't want to be induced, but will do whatever necessary to ensure my baby is healthy. 

    Oh my bad...I read that you were 20 weeks in your OP. Still, baby still has some time to put on weight. They really put on weight the last month or so, so baby might shoot up. With you and your DH are both smaller people, likely you baby will be a little one too, which is okay- and can still be totally healthy! :o)

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  • To be honest with you I was just told to stop my GD diet yesterday. I have lost four pounds in two weeks following it and the baby is too small for 32 weeks. My specialist was livid about the low number of carbs the nutritionist gave me. As of right now they want me to eat and check my sugars...if they get in the 150s or 160s consistently then adjust my intake. I go back for another growth scan in two weeks.


    Baby Birthday Ticker Ticker
  • imagejdandrea:
    To be honest with you I was just told to stop my GD diet yesterday. I have lost four pounds in two weeks following it and the baby is too small for 32 weeks. My specialist was livid about the low number of carbs the nutritionist gave me. As of right now they want me to eat and check my sugars...if they get in the 150s or 160s consistently then adjust my intake. I go back for another growth scan in two weeks.


    This is what I'm afraid of. My s aren't supposed to be above 130, but I can't make that happen without very small portions. I eat less now at each meal than I did prepregnancy and I've been on the GD diet for 4 months now.
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  • I haven't had a number above 130 and that is without exercise because I am on bed rest and can't exercise. While I am not going to be counting anymore, I am not going to go crazy either. Good luck figuring it out.

    imageMrsWahidi:
    imagejdandrea:
    To be honest with you I was just told to stop my GD diet yesterday. I have lost four pounds in two weeks following it and the baby is too small for 32 weeks. My specialist was livid about the low number of carbs the nutritionist gave me. As of right now they want me to eat and check my sugars...if they get in the 150s or 160s consistently then adjust my intake. I go back for another growth scan in two weeks.


    This is what I'm afraid of. My s aren't supposed to be above 130, but I can't make that happen without very small portions. I eat less now at each meal than I did prepregnancy and I've been on the GD diet for 4 months now.


    Baby Birthday Ticker Ticker
  • imagejdandrea:
    I haven't had a number above 130 and that is without exercise because I am on bed rest and can't exercise. While I am not going to be counting anymore, I am not going to go crazy either. Good luck figuring it out.
    imageMrsWahidi:
    imagejdandrea:
    To be honest with you I was just told to stop my GD diet yesterday. I have lost four pounds in two weeks following it and the baby is too small for 32 weeks. My specialist was livid about the low number of carbs the nutritionist gave me. As of right now they want me to eat and check my sugars...if they get in the 150s or 160s consistently then adjust my intake. I go back for another growth scan in two weeks.
    This is what I'm afraid of. My s aren't supposed to be above 130, but I can't make that happen without very small portions. I eat less now at each meal than I did prepregnancy and I've been on the GD diet for 4 months now.

    I typically only have an issue with my lunch number, and sometimes 1 or 2 other random numbers throughout the week. Because of this, I was put on Metformin 1 hour before lunch. My fasting, breakfast and dinner numbers are normally fine.

    I hope I can figure it out, and the good news is I only have to deal with it for another two months. 

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