Measuring big

mrsman2018

I went to the Dr a few days ago and I am 31 weeks and measuring 37. Anyone else "measuring big?" I have a fetal assessment ultrasound on Thursday to see if I am just big, lots of fluid or if baby is big. They asked me if I am sure I have my dates right and I think to do, but they're the doctors! I have only gained one pound since my 28 week appt, three weeks ago, so I am not gaining a lot (22 pounds so far). One pound in three weeks and nine inches ... I am a little nervous about the ultrasound because it seems to me the doctors think I am further along than I do. 

von1976

I'm measuring about a week ahead. There's a lot of reasons you could be measuring ahead, which is why they need to do an ultrasound to see what's going on. Every baby grows at different rate, so it may be something or it may be nothing. Let the doctor decide and go from there.

F47

I was measuring big with my first. The doctors would comment on it every visit, and ordered a fetal assessment ultrasound to check things out around 36 weeks. The ultrasound tech commented on our big boy, and so did the docs. But, he was healthy. I was set on unmedicated birth, and didn't let them push me into being induced.

He was born 6 days past my due date, and weighed 8 lbs, 14 oz. definitely a big boy, but not gargantuan. Especially considering I went past my due date. 

I I know this doesn't answer your question, really, but just wanted to share my experience. 

mrsman2018

F47  Thanks. I wouldn't want to be pushed into being induced, that's for sure. My brothers were 10lbs and I was 9lbs. My husband and his sister were also 10lbs each and he is 6'9" now. Ha. So I am thinking just big baby becasue I am 99% sure my dates are right. Every time I visit the Dr they comment on my size as well. Oh well, the ultrasound will show more. Just can't wait to meet my little (big) girl.

LizaKate1213

I measured big with my first and ended up having "hyperhydramnios," which is a fancy word for "extra amniotic fluid." They sent me for bi-weekly ultrasounds all throughout my third trimester at a specialty ultrasound clinic. DS was always healthy, but my fluid levels remained high throughout which caused me to measure weeks ahead. They were worried it would send me into early labor, but I went pretty much on time, 2 days past my EDD. So far they have not commented on my size, just that I am "growing." I, too, only gained 1lb in the past three weeks though which I thought was odd because I can definitely tell I got bigger, and my midwife confirmed that I am measuring well. Not sure where the size is coming from without any extra weight. But, bodies are weird! Anyways, I hope your ultrasound goes well!

TheBeeCharmer

I've measured big with all. All have been big but not "abnormally" so in my opinion anyway 8 pounds, 10 pounds 3 ounces and 9 pounds 3 ounces. This one is over 90th percentile but it's not usually that accurate and unless we're talking 12+ pounds there's not much they'll do anyway. 

samkins

I'm measuring big, ultrasound tomorrow to see what baby is doing in there 

mizzkbrat

I don't think measuring big should give you anything to worry about. I've heard plenty of stories where you measure big and then the baby is 7 lbs. 

NicholeL16

I am also "measuring ahead" but my midwife doesn't pay much attention to that. 

booksandicecream

I am also measuring big. At my 28-week ultrasound baby was measuring about a week ahead in weight and length. However my fundal height was oddly advanced last week so I have a growth scan next week to assess again. I have a feeling my little guy is probably just fighting against decreasing space and stretching my uterus more than usual but definitely good to check. 
Also, I hear you guys on not wanting to be induced, but doctors are doctors for a reason. You can always get a second opinion, but I wouldn't deny sound medical advice. 

Divallyn

I measured ahead in my last pregnancy - I think by about 3-5 weeks. Had to go for ultrasounds every other week. They said he would be over 9lbs at 39 weeks, he came at 41w 6d (I wouldn't let them induce) and he was 8lbs 5ounces. 

freckledlemonade

I'm measuring big, and baby will probably be on the larger size.  I want to avoid being induced, but my ob mentioned it after my ultrasound a few days ago.  I think that's jumping the gun, and have an appointment Friday with a midwife to get a 2nd opinion of sorts, and possibly make a switch.  It's hard.  I want to trust a doctor's opinion, but I also want to trust my gut...I've given birth to a large baby before, I would think it'll be ok for round 2.  Time will tell.

Also, I've heard the weight estimates are often way off, but I don't know about actual body part measurements?  Like head, torso, femur.  That's what the tech measured at my u/s.

kmtz89

my baby's head has been consistently measuring a week ahead  but everything else is a couple days range. Dr. hasn't said anything. Though DH has quite a large head. I guess we'll see.

allison_smith_6212

I had a growth Ultrasound done a week and a half ago and was nervous because baby boy is measuring 2.5 weeks ahead. I figured I'll ask my doctor at my appointment this week. My guess is we'll wait until my next l growth Ultrasound at 35 weeks before making any decisions since with NFP I'm 100% confident in my dates. 

blaf322

kmolleltz said:

my baby's head has been consistently measuring a week ahead  but everything else is a couple days range. Dr. hasn't said anything. Though DH has quite a large head. I guess we'll see.

I'm worried our baby will have DH's big head. I told him he's in trouble if that happens

ibabyloveb87

bnsmith85 said:

kmolleltz said:

my baby's head has been consistently measuring a week ahead  but everything else is a couple days range. Dr. hasn't said anything. Though DH has quite a large head. I guess we'll see.

I'm worried our baby will have DH's big head. I told him he's in trouble if that happens

This is how I feel about DH's shoulders. Ekkkk! 

emt87

DH also has a big head. I have always told him he is is so much trouble if our baby gets his big head

bieberm04

I am being told we should expect a large baby, over 9 lbs.  I have been going to a specialist due to a kidney issue since 20 weeks.  She was measuring around 67% tile at 20 weeks then jumped to over 95% at 29 weeks (4lbs 9oz), I was hoping she just had a growth spurt but yesterday at my 32 week US she is still over 95% and "weighing" 5 lbs 14 oz.  They are almost 99% sure of my due date and all of her measurements are 95% plus.  I asked if they would induce or make me go early due to her size and they said no but if she continues to grow at this rate start to mentally prepare for a C-section (I am pretty indifferent but it is a slight let down).  My husband and I have a lot of "larger/ taller" relatives but hearing 9 lbs plus baby scares me, OUCH!!  I have only gained 11 lbs so far but the Dr is still not concerned about the weight gain.

serenaxo84

We aren't measuring big per say but baby is currently in the 80%...On my scans we see his head etc is measuring a few weeks ahead. My OB hasn't said anything about it. But she also said that the US can be off by a few weeks- which is why we do them monthly. With DS1 they thought he was going to be 6lbs at full term and he was born at a solid 8lbs and they were shocked! He was frank breech though so the measurements could have been off!

Hopefully they will be able to give you some more information as every baby and pregnancy is different.

mommathoner

books&icecream said:

Also, I hear you guys on not wanting to be induced, but doctors are doctors for a reason. You can always get a second opinion, but I wouldn't deny sound medical advice. 

Doctors are doctors, but they're not perfect! Having a "big baby" is one of the most overused and unnecessary excuses for induction or c-section. Sure, there are circumstances that require more attention, but do some research before you agree to an intervention you may or may not want. Ultrasounds are not exact - the weight of the baby can be off by plus or minus 2 pounds! If you want to agree to whatever your doctor says, that's fine. But there's nothing wrong with advocating for yourself and asking for other opinions and options. 

ashleyp625

We had a growth ultrasound last week because baby is measuring 3 weeks ahead. The tech said everything looks normal, he's just big. So I'm interested to hear what my dr says at my appointment on Tuesday. I'd rather not have a September birthday, if it can be avoided. 

TheBeeCharmer

I was induced early for my third due to the size of my 2nd (over ten pounds). For me, it was a no Brainer. I got three herniated discs as a result of my prior pregnancy so getting induced early (which still resulted in a 9 1/2 pound baby) was a good choice for me. But I used past history to make that choice, not an ultrasound prediction. 

booksandicecream

mommathoner said:

books&icecream said:

Also, I hear you guys on not wanting to be induced, but doctors are doctors for a reason. You can always get a second opinion, but I wouldn't deny sound medical advice. 

Doctors are doctors, but they're not perfect! Having a "big baby" is one of the most overused and unnecessary excuses for induction or c-section. Sure, there are circumstances that require more attention, but do some research before you agree to an intervention you may or may not want. Ultrasounds are not exact - the weight of the baby can be off by plus or minus 2 pounds! If you want to agree to whatever your doctor says, that's fine. But there's nothing wrong with advocating for yourself and asking for other opinions and options. 

People who tell you to "do your research" while simultaneously telling you to ignore sound medical advice are my number one pet peeve. The research is what the doctors base their medical advice off of...

Of course machines are not perfect and doctors are only human and can make mistakes so there is NOTHING wrong with getting a second opinion (please get a second opinion!) but ignoring their advice because you don't like it is not advisable. 

mommathoner

books&icecream said:

mommathoner said:

books&icecream said:

Also, I hear you guys on not wanting to be induced, but doctors are doctors for a reason. You can always get a second opinion, but I wouldn't deny sound medical advice. 

Doctors are doctors, but they're not perfect! Having a "big baby" is one of the most overused and unnecessary excuses for induction or c-section. Sure, there are circumstances that require more attention, but do some research before you agree to an intervention you may or may not want. Ultrasounds are not exact - the weight of the baby can be off by plus or minus 2 pounds! If you want to agree to whatever your doctor says, that's fine. But there's nothing wrong with advocating for yourself and asking for other opinions and options. 

People who tell you to "do your research" while simultaneously telling you to ignore sound medical advice are my number one pet peeve. The research is what the doctors base their medical advice off of...

Of course machines are not perfect and doctors are only human and can make mistakes so there is NOTHING wrong with getting a second opinion (please get a second opinion!) but ignoring their advice because you don't like it is not advisable. 

I NEVER said to ignore your doctor. Doing your research doesn't mean you ignore sound medical advice. Doing your research means being an educated patient. If you don't know to even ask about other options, then you're doing yourself a disservice. 

serenaxo84

mommathoner said:

books&icecream said:

mommathoner said:

books&icecream said:

Also, I hear you guys on not wanting to be induced, but doctors are doctors for a reason. You can always get a second opinion, but I wouldn't deny sound medical advice. 

Doctors are doctors, but they're not perfect! Having a "big baby" is one of the most overused and unnecessary excuses for induction or c-section. Sure, there are circumstances that require more attention, but do some research before you agree to an intervention you may or may not want. Ultrasounds are not exact - the weight of the baby can be off by plus or minus 2 pounds! If you want to agree to whatever your doctor says, that's fine. But there's nothing wrong with advocating for yourself and asking for other opinions and options. 

People who tell you to "do your research" while simultaneously telling you to ignore sound medical advice are my number one pet peeve. The research is what the doctors base their medical advice off of...

Of course machines are not perfect and doctors are only human and can make mistakes so there is NOTHING wrong with getting a second opinion (please get a second opinion!) but ignoring their advice because you don't like it is not advisable. 

I NEVER said to ignore your doctor. Doing your research doesn't mean you ignore sound medical advice. Doing your research means being an educated patient. If you don't know to even ask about other options, then you're doing yourself a disservice. 

I agree- you do sometimes need to self advocate. and c sections are over used- which is why a lot of hospitals are seeing a big increase in issues that used to be more rare like placenta previa. And it's a major surgery. People tend to forget that. 

However- on the other side of the spectrum I know a few moms that were measuring big, tried a vaginal delivery- labored for hours and the baby just wouldn't fit and they ended up with emergency c sections. So you have to be prepared for that outcome too. 

I wouldn't be thrilled about inducing labor early because of the size of the baby. I want my babies born as close to 40 weeks as possible. We are having this baby at 37 weeks due to the placenta previa i am not too happy about it but know it's for the best. 

mrsman2018

I had my ultrasound today and she said the fluid is normal and baby is around 5lbs, also normal. So I am just bigger. Good to finally know. 

Schell2013

For anyone else reading. I carried my first two girls always measured a month a head. This is the first time I have measured on track. I gained the same amount of weight with all my kids. It was all in how I carried them.

kamroberts

I am a FTM and my baby is also measuring ahead. At my anatomy scan baby boy was measuring ahead by about 9 days. At my next two doctors appointments after my anatomy scan my belly was measuring at 2 weeks ahead, and then 3 weeks ahead. At the second appointment after my anatomy scan, my doctor decided to order another ultrasound to determine baby's actual size. At this ultrasound I was 29 weeks but baby was measuring at 31 and he was already 3.5 pounds. I thought that my doctor would move up my due date based on how he was measuring but she said that she isn't going to move his due date and that he's just big (he's measuring in the 80% percentile). 

nsquaredlife13

I'm sure you're a bit more comfortable now with everyone else's answers but what's one more to add to the mix?! My son always measured 2-3 weeks ahead. I never went into labor, and had a scheduled CS at 40+1. He was 8lbs 1oz. I dont know but to me that seemed like a fairly normal size.