I'm a FTM, and I just had my 29 week appointment today. The doc said I passed my glucose test with flying colors, and I've only gained 15 lbs. in my entire pregnancy. She also said the heartbeat sounded perfect. All seemed to be well. Then, after measuring my belly twice and saying I have "a big ole belly," the doc said the baby is measuring at 32 weeks. She said he could be a BIG baby or there may be a lot of fluid in there. She wants me to go back tomorrow for an ultrasound. I'm worried something may be wrong. Anyone have this happen? Any thoughts?
Re: Worried - 29 weeks along but baby is measuring at 32 weeks
I measured large with DS and have started measuring 2 weeks ahead as of my last appointment. with DS they sent me for a growth u/s at 36 weeks to check if it was the baby or fluid. At the time baby was a good size about 6 or 7lbs already. But he didn't come until 41w2d so he was 9lbs 6oz at birth.
They are monitoring me now and if I measure ahead consistently they will probably send me for a growth u/s again.
My dr told me it's totally normal as long as it doesn't get more than 3 weeks ahead. That's when he would start looking into if he is going to be a big baby. He said that a 2-3 week variance is really common and can be attributed to how baby is positioned that day or if you've had more fluid intake and carry some extra fluid that day.
I measured 2 weeks ahead at my 24 week appt and only 1 week ahead at my 28 week appt- they weren't concerned at either.
Also, no it does not mean that you will deliver early. If it continues to measure 3 weeks ahead it could just mean extra fluid or a big baby but his lungs might not be developed that far yet. With DD I deliver at 36 weeks, measuring 38 weeks and they were still preparing us for possible oxygen assistance in case her lungs weren't developed. Thank god she came out perfect! And only 6 lbs 3 oz. too so the big baby theory was out.
I guess I'm not really sure what it means if I'm measuring big b/c of fluid. Does that mean there is too much fluid in there, and it's a problem?
When they say extra fluid, what does that really mean? Is that a bad thing? My doc mentioned that could be it, but she was in such a hurry to get out of there, I didn't get to really ask the questions I wanted to ask.
Reading your post was like reading a slice of my life right now. I too have only gained 15 pounds throughout the whole pregnancy but the baby has consistently measured big. I am going for an ultrasound next week to check to see what is going on and hopefully get a more accurate measurement. Don't worry. My doctor wasn't worried at all so I am not. She said the measurements can be off as much as 2 pounds either way and some women just make big babies. Whatever! Good luck- I am sure all will be fine!
I was told today that I'm measuring big as well. Have an u/s next week to see exactly how big.
I'm not worried about it though and I think I feel better knowing that I am measuring a bit bigger vs a bit smaller. Not that anything is necessarily wrong either way, just probably a big baby.
In addition to the position of of the baby, fluids, etc., there is also a HUGE margin of error for simple human error- especially if you are being measured by multiple people. I wish more OBs and MWs would admit this instead of telling their patients their babies are too big (which is a VERY RARE medical condition).
GL