Measuring VERY large for 35 wks

Edelmonte

Ok so last week my doctor ordered an unscheduled sono for today cause he was worries about the babies size, and said we would meet again this Wednesday since the baby is ripping apart my tummy muscles
Today I found out my little guys (at 35 wks) is 7 1/2 lbs, all body parts measure at 38 weeks and to the sono ladies best guess he's 22-24" in length (his thigh was 7")...
Has anyone experienced this and have any clue what the doctor might suggest? I'm getting anxious

MuffinMom14

First of all, the weight estimates are notoriously inaccurate. I am not sure about the measurements, though.

I know what MY doctor would suggest, but that doesn't mean that's what yours will suggest, so I hesitate to even mention it. Just be open and honest with your doctor on Wednesday and take all the time you need to get answers from him/her.

Edelmonte

I know weight can be inaccurate but his head, belly and internal organs were "38 weeks", she measured 4 times to be sure lol, and the sizes coinside with all the others sonos so far...

ladybug0088

I wouldn't think too much of it. As other people have mentioned, measurements are not perfect and are just a prediction based on what they can see. My brother was supposed to be 10 pounds and ended up being only 7 1/2. 

I'd take it with a grain of salt. Nothing you can really do to change it except watch your carb/sugar intake. Baby will take from you what he/she needs to grow.

ariel06

My friend who has larger babies (11 and 13 pounds)  just ended up having c/s at 39 weeks.  The hospitals in my area won't allow c/s for size before that point unless mom or baby is in danger.  

lrobi13

The high risk doctor told me that measurements can be way off by this point because the baby is out of room. Most estimates can be +/- 12 ounces and it also can vary drastically depending on the person doing the measurements.  There is not a better way to gauge the size and you won't really know until lo is here.

Good luck to you.

Emerald27

Even if the measurements are correct, large babies don't automatically equal the need for an early induction or a csection (as I'm sure was what you were really asking in not so many words in your OP).

Like PP said, talk to your doctor because specific doctors will recommend different plans of action.

And do some research before you talk to your doctor so that you can be a good advocate for yourself and baby.

Start here: https://evidencebasedbirth.com/evidence-for-induction-or-c-section-for-big-baby/

Aarg

If it makes you feel better about how inaccurate the weights are- my friend was told one week before she delivered her baby girl that LO was going to be about 7lbs at delivery...
She delivered a 10lb7oz baby...

So I would say they are pretty inaccurate.

reneenearl

Aarg said:

If it makes you feel better about how inaccurate the weights are- my friend was told one week before she delivered her baby girl that LO was going to be about 7lbs at delivery...
She delivered a 10lb7oz baby...

So I would say they are pretty inaccurate.

Same thing happened to my SIL! She had an ultrasound where she was told my niece was around 7 pounds. She was 38 weeks pregnant. She went into labor that night and delivered a 10 pound 3 oz baby!

Justabean3

The are not typically inaccurate though before 36 weeks.

Emerald27

The other thing to keep in mind is that after about 20 weeks, babies grow at their own unique rates, having growth spurts at unpredictable times (so whereas you can say a 13wk fetus will be a certain specific size, they grow rather unpredictably in the second half of pregnancy.

Maybe your LO just had a big growth spurt and will be born within an average weight range.

sheluvs2travel

Emerald27 said:

Even if the measurements are correct, large babies don't automatically equal the need for an early induction or a csection (as I'm sure was what you were really asking in not so many words in your OP). Like PP said, talk to your doctor because specific doctors will recommend different plans of action. And do some research before you talk to your doctor so that you can be a good advocate for yourself and baby. Start here: https://evidencebasedbirth.com/evidence-for-induction-or-c-section-for-big-baby/

This.  Do your research and prepare a list of questions for your doctor at your next appt.  If you are worried about c-section/induction due to size, ask about it.  I'm sure other ladies can tell you what happened to them, but each person's situation is very different.

This is your pregnancy and your body.  I had a growth scan and am measuring large for date too.  I was worried about it too.  But, I've found that taking charge of my own care rather than worrying about all the "what if's" has really helped.  I followed up with my doctor immediately after the scan and have a follow up appt for a NST.  I also have a list of questions that I would like answered.  Even though I may not be able to control what is going on with baby, I want all the information I can get to put us both in a good place for a safe and healthy delivery.  

Good luck!

Duder

Keep in mind that unless you have unregulated GD, it is highly unlikely you will grow a baby your body cannot vaginally deliver, even at 40-41+ weeks. I have heard of plenty of petite women birthing large babies with no problems. I have a small frame and birthed my 9lbs 3oz daughter with no issues to either of us (worst thing was my second degree tear that healed easily) . Also, another anecdote about weight and size estimates: one of my bff's baby was estimated that she would be over 9.5lbs at birth (based off of organ and bone measurements)...my friend delivered her at 41 weeks and the baby weighed 5lbs 15oz. I second all the advice to do your own research about this. If you're worried about an induction or cs, remember that this is YOUR body and you don't have to be talked into anything you don't feel right about. Sorry for lack of paragraphs, I'm on the app.

SaphireShimmer

As others have said, measurements this late aren't totally accurate. With DS1 for me, they said his head was measuring in the 95% at 36 weeks. He was born with a head around the 25%. So take the 'measurements' with a grain of salt. Hopefully your doctor can put your mind at ease and give a few suggestions

BreandMikewedding

When I was pregnant with my son they said he was between 9-11 pounds. He was 9lbs 12 oz, so on the lower end of the range. My friend went to a different ob practice and they thought her son was 10 lbs and he was only 5lbs.

I would *think* your dr would just watch you. I don't think they want you to have a 16 lb baby but it sounds like you may just have a bigger baby.