XP: Question about growth ultrasound

julesjb

I had my 39 week appt yesterday and she did a NST because I mentioned LO has been a bit quiet. He passed with flying colors pretty quickly but she requested an ultrasound for today to check fluid and weight.  Fast forward to today and we get to see our not so little man.  His head is measuring 41 weeks 4 days which the ultrasound tech kept saying with large eyes...thanks lady. I had a large head a kid and so did the rest of my family so I guess I shouldnt be that surprised.  His abdomen was measuring 40 weeks and his legs were measure 37.5 weeks. Overall his measurements put him at 40 weeks 2 days and 9 lbs!!!!!!!!!!! I know the weight can be off a bit but the ultrasound tech seemed to think it had a half a pound variation.

Then came the mention that they are unsure that my small frame will be able to birth a baby of his size and we may need to discuss c-section(granted this was the nurse not my OB). I am not going to let myself worry about that because I just don't feel they can predict that.  I am concerned that his legs are behind his gestational age( I am 38 wks 6 days) even though they keep reiterating that is a normal finding and not concerning them. I am just picturing this huge head and tiny legs.  Does anyone have experience with measurements and growth ultrasounds?? 

This has been such a roller coaster of opinions. I was told with all the preterm contractions to prepare for a preterm baby who would likely need a bit of time in the NICU. I am clearly happy that was not the case but then she estimated I would likely have a 7 pounder based on measurements and now surprise hes a big boy!! I am not trying to complain I just sorta feel like my head is spinning!!!

luvsbunny

Usually measurements are off.

Mine said my baby was huge, almost 10lbs. They did several measurements and the tech even called the dr to do it herself.
T was born at 7lbs5ounces. They also said her head was too big but it turned out to be at 45%.
Don't worry about it. I'm sure your baby has normal legs

martinimomma

Hi there - I had a BPP at 37 weeks that measured LO with a 40 week head and other parts between 35 and 37 weeks. When he was born he was totally proportional.

lalaellac

A week before I was induced, they told me DS was going to be about 8lbs. I had growth scans every week and all along they told me he was measuring ahead and a big babyS

He was 6lbs 13ozs. I don't put too much into their guesses!

julesjb

Thanks ladies, I have myself so worked up tonight about his shorter femurs(about 10 days behind I guess) I wish I had had the opportunity to talk to the Dr. today but I keep telling myself it would have been addressed if they were concerned. 

magdalina.h

Lucas growth ultrasounds were off by a pound. His measurements had him at 40w (at 38w) and over 8lbs. He was a little shy of 7lbs, but they rounded up to 7 and 20in. The weight was like 6 15.5 or something like that

D&D4Ever7

I think PP gave pretty good advice. U/S are not always that accurate, especially for legs since they are usually curled up.  Getting a head measurement is way more accurate than legs.  I have to say that my u/s were more accurate than my ob's estimations.  You may have a big baby, but doesn't have to 9 lbs.  My 30 wks u/s showed my LO was 4 lbs and at 36wks, my ob said that LO is measuring to be around 5.5lbs.  I totally didn't believe his estimation and at 39 wks, I gave birth to 8lb13oz baby.  Boys are usually bigger on average than girls, so I wouldn't be surprised if your LO is measuring big.  GL with everything in the next few days.  I cannot wait to hear about your updates!!!! I am getting so excited for you.