Measuring small....

Emcat1980@yahoo.com

I know this gets posted every week or so, but I just went to my 30 week appointment and am measuring 27 weeks. I know this is variable depending on the way the doc does the measuring, and the way the baby is positioned, but of course I can't help but be worried. I will have a growth u/s on Tuesday to check on baby. This is the 2nd appointment in a row that I have been behind (was also measuring 27 weeks at 28 week checkup).

Anybody else in a similar situation? If you don't mind me asking, how is your weight gain? I have gained 10 lbs in 30 weeks and was normal/lean to begin with. Doctor wants me to start drinking Ensure every day, mostly for the protein content. I am not trying to be restrictive in my diet but I know I don't eat enough.....between the horrible m/s the first 18 weeks, and then heartburn and feeling so full after eating a small amount since then. I need to try to get more "bang for my buck" if you will so will really start pounding the greek yogurt, etc, in addition to the Ensure. But I feel bad that maybe I haven't been diligent enough in my nutrition.

I know there's no sense in worrying unless baby is confirmed small (maybe it's just positional) but I am still pretty worried. For some reason getting input from internet strangers can be strangely comforting, thus this post. Would appreciate any input/experience/etc!

TIA!

Telly21182

I've always been consistently measuring a little small (1-2 weeks) but my doctor hasn't been concerned because even though I'm small I'm still growing.  

I'm 29 weeks and have gained 5 pounds thus far but I was a little overweight to begin with.  Not obese, but could stand to lose 20 pounds (and at 5'9" that's not the same as someone petite needing to lose 20 pounds.)

Protein definitely won't hurt.  It's good for you, therefore good for your pregnancy in general.  

Good luck at the growth scan next week! 

calgal1683

I have not been measuring behind in weeks, just DS has been in the lower percentile. At my 20 week u/s he was in the 23% so I went to the perinatologist at 30 weeks and he was up to the 36%. At first he was a little worried so he started me on twice weekly NST and once a week growth u/s. Since my 30 week u/s I have stopped those, but am still considered "High Risk."

zoomanager

I haven't been behind in weeks but I am in the lower percentile-- 30%.  I also have only gained 9 lbs and was average weight to start (just a few extra I LOVE beer pounds!).  My Doc isn't too worried yet but I also have an umbilical cord issue and she said that if he keeps measuring in the lower percentile I will be put on bed rest.  

I am with you on focusing on the protein.  I am trying to get that 50 grams like my doctor ordered.  But my stomach hates me every time I eat and then my little body-mate decides that he does not like sharing room with food and starts his kung fu antics. 

 

missamelia5

This sounds scarily familiar... at 20 weeks, we were growing fine.  At 28 weeks, she was in the 20th percentile and measuring very small.  This week at 32, she has dropped to the 10th percentile and we were sent to a specialist for a doppler ultrasound.  Total, I've gained about 35 pounds already and I was totally average to begin with.  I eat all the time and can't figure out what I'm doing wrong.  The doctor said everything looks okay, he doesn't really know why she isn't growing, that unless she drops below the 10th percentile she won't be considered IUGR (growth restricted) but they still want to watch her closely.  We're considered high risk now, but since her fluid level is good then they didn't want to deliver just yet.  They are giving her three weeks to put on weight before they decide to induce. 

My question is... they didn't tell me what to do to help her put on weight!!  Some posters have said their docs recommended protein drinks, but I asked and didn't get much response from my doctor.  He said "restricted activity" but not bed rest.  So I dont' really know where to go from here, except to eat more and hope for the best.

BillysGrl27

I was measuring behind at my 28 week appointment. At that point I had gained about 18-20 pounds. I was on the skinny side to start and it took me a full 20 weeks to gain a single pound despite eating everything in sight. I had growth U/S and LO is actually 2 weeks ahead. My OB wants me to have another U/S at 36 weeks.

I never thought to add Ensure to my diet for an extra kick of protein, great suggestion!

 

Turtle143

calgal1683:

I have not been measuring behind in weeks, just DS has been in the lower percentile. At my 20 week u/s he was in the 23% so I went to the perinatologist at 30 weeks and he was up to the 36%. At first he was a little worried so he started me on twice weekly NST and once a week growth u/s. Since my 30 week u/s I have stopped those, but am still considered "High Risk."

This made me wonder about our LO. 

I've gained 24lbs but was underweight prepregnancy. At 20 weeks US, LO was at 50ish % and at our 30-31 week, at 40%. Doctor wasn't worried at all. I wonder why at 36% your Dr is a little worried when mine is only 4% higher in percentile and our Dr isn't worried at all.

pbj10

When we went in for our doctors appointment at 28 weeks, our baby was measuring at 26 weeks 1 day.

I had trouble gaining weight during the first trimester but because I started out with a normal weight (5'3" 125lbs.), my doctor said she wasn't worried. She said that because I actually lost weight in the first trimester that the baby was barely starting to gain weight, and that after 12 weeks each baby grows at a different rate. As long as the babies heart, lungs and brain are growing and responding to stimuli that there is nothing to worry about. 

I would feel better if my OB gave me some advice as to what would be best for my LO but I guess I should be grateful that she is doing well.