omg, LO is going to be BIG!

cabartosh

So I had a sonogram for a growth check today and I was told by the sonographer that LO is measuring about 7lbs 5oz ... But I'm only 35 weeks!  Apparently that is about 3 weeks bigger than "normal."  I follow up with my doctor this afternoon.  Any thoughts on what to expect?  Will they move up my due date or want to induce??  I'm pretty sure my due date is correct (or even early).

JCragg

Ultrasound estimated weights can totally be off.

RJHarmon

They won't move your due date this late in the game, but they may do a repeat growth in a few weeks.  Some docs might opt for a c-section if the baby seems too big for you to deliver.  Others will just let you labor and see if it works out.  Some women are just made to have bigger babies.  The u/s is just a guide and can be off.

cynnnabun

JCragg:

Ultrasound estimated weights can totally be off.

This. and, if the baby is big, big doesn't mean more mature. Baby needs to stay in there until they're totally developed and the lungs are mature.

If your Dr. was going to induce or move your due date, I would ask for an amnio to check the lungs. No way I'd want to give birth early and have the baby end up with breathing problems just because the baby was measuring big.

staycee

I had a growth u/s 4 days before #1 was born.  She measured 7 lbs, 8 oz.

She came out at 6 lb, 6 oz.

they can be off by a pound or more.

ccmmkk

See what your doc says at your appt today, but I would agree not to put too much stock into it at this point. U/s weights can be off or your LO could have just had a growth spurt and will slow down again.

teachermom217

kdodge423:

For the love of God, we do need to make this a sticky. Measuring large is NOT going to move your due date and is NOT a reason to induce early.

Right now I am on track for a 10 lb'er. No talk of induction whatsoever.

 

 

I do have a friend who was recently induced because of how huge the baby was.

But it's a rarity- and most docs don't even consider it unless there are other factors.

 

And like many others have said, they're so often wrong with the birth weights- don't let it freak you out!

kabarbanel

JCragg:

Ultrasound estimated weights can totally be off.

This, so they won't change your EDD.

TofuMama7

I understand being concerned, I'm having an ultrasound next Wednesday to check because they are guessing that I'm cooking a big baby as well, but I'm not going to worry about it too much.

My cousin was told after a growth u/s that her baby would be over 10 lbs by the time he was born and he was only 8 lbs 13 oz (not small, but not as huge as they predicted).

lyzp07

My friend ended up having her due date moved up two weeks because her baby was getting so big, and then she ended up delivering two weeks early, and her baby was 6 lbs 6 oz and totally healthy, so who knows how big he would've been 4 weeks from then... so these things can happen, but EVERY person is different, EVERY pregnancy is different.

PaxMama

Yes, U/S can be off.  

Mine was the reverse situation with DS1.  He was measuring 8lbs at 39weeks, and came out at 10lbs even a week later.  You just never know. 

erin3182011

I have a friend that had her baby a few weeks ago....

The day before, she went in for a u/s.... the baby's head was so large, they couldnt get accurate measurements.... they told her he was going to be well over 10 pounds.  They scheduled her for a c-section the next morning.....

He was 9 pounds, 9 ounces.  HUGE head, but a little smaller then they expected!

farmgirl05

I just had an U/S yesterday at 33 weeks and they said he was a little over 5 pounds...he's a chunky butt tho haha...dr found some fat rolls on his lil legs during the U/S

shannonalise

Estimating weight by ultrasound is NOT a reliable method. The way the measurement is calculated is based on some formula that takes measurements of certain parts of the baby (including the femur). Not all LOs fit that mold.

My aunt was told that her baby was going to be nearly 11 lbs. Baby was born 8 lbs. 4 oz. 

Even crazier - my good friend was told by several ultrasounds that her LO was going to be around 11 lbs. She was induced early. Baby was born at 7 lbs, covered in lanugo, with undeveloped lungs. Yeah - it wasn't time.

Don't bet the farm on the "weight" they give you. It's just an estimate. And I certainly wouldn't let them move my due date up this late in the game. Be very careful about being talked into induction because of a "big baby."

expecting-n-tx

JCragg:

Ultrasound estimated weights can totally be off.

 

This! The day DD was born I was told she was over 7lbs. She was born at 3lbs 9 ounces.

ascar29

a friend of mine had her ultra sound at 35 weeks and they told her the baby was going to be small she was measuring small, she came out at 9lbs 8oz. and she smoked through her whole preg.. who would have guessed!