measuring behind...

anne.azano · February 2013

Hi ladies,

At 32 1/2 weeks, I was measuring 31...Had an ultrasound and the tech said the baby was right on track at 4 1/2 lbs. Then at 36 1/2 weeks, I was measuring 34. I have my 38 week appointment today and I'm worried that if I'm still measuring behind, they're going to want me to induce early. Any advice on how to withstand that sort of pressure from my doc (and whether or not I should) if it comes down to that? I really want to have a natural birth, have been listening to hypnobabies tracks every night, and believe that a baby should come when it's good and ready. Having said that, I don't want to refuse my doctor if there is a legitimate risk to the baby measuring small. Any thoughts/experiences on this?

Thanks!

Mrs E in Oregon · February 2013

These are estimations only, surly your doctor can understand that. At 38 weeks, has your baby dropped down and engaged a bit? I'm guessing yes. That will make your measurements slightly off. I am measuring 36 at 34wks and my midwives aren't alarmed at all. Some of the size corrolates to your weight gain, your body type and frame, and how your baby is sitting. I wouldn't worry and your doctor would have to come up with a better reason that that to induce. I'd ask for additional testing to justify induction for being off in uterus size.

superned · February 2013

When they measure your belly during a routine appointment, they're measuring down to the centimeter, so a few weeks ahead or behind is not that big of a deal. Unless you haven't grown at all since your last appointment (in which case you would likely be given the option of additional testing so you could make a more informed decision, and not just sent to be induced), I wouldn't worry about it.

FWIW, I measured behind a couple of times with DD, and she ended up being 8 lbs, 8 oz at 39w5d.

oliversmommy32912 · February 2013

Those measurements are pretty subjective. I went to one appointment and measured ahead by two cm. The next appointment I measured behind by a cm. They weren't worried at all. In fact the day before my baby was born at 36.6 I was measuring two cm behind. Well when he was born the next day he was 7lbs 1oz and three weeks early so clearly he wasn't really smaller than normal. Don't worry!

fmw0526 · February 2013

My MW explained that after 35 or 36 weeks it doesn't matter as much if the measurement matches up with weeks pregnant. The baby could have dropped, the baby moves up or down or sideways and you can't just go by that number.

anne.azano · February 2013

as of today, I'm still behind, but have grown since the last time. Doc said there was nothing to worry about! That's a relief! Thanks for all your support.

sschwege · February 2013

anne.azano:
as of today, I'm still behind, but have grown since the last time. Doc said there was nothing to worry about! That's a relief! Thanks for all your support.

Glad to hear it! For what it's worth I always measured anywhere from 1-3 weeks behind with DD and she was born at 40w3d weighing 7lb15oz and 21 inches long. With DS I typically measured on time, but towards the very end was measuring about a week behind he was born at 40w3d weighing 8lb12oz and 20.5 inches. These measurements don't mean much!

xnbride · February 2013

I always measure behind because I have small babies because both DH and I are small (well we used to be smaller ;-) Anyways, with DS1 my OB was really concerned and had me induced early. Luckily I was already in labor and he came fast, before any other interventions (other then pitocin) were employed.

With DS2 and DS3, I had a midwife and she did NST with DS2 but all was well even though I measured behind. With DS3, we just followed the normal routine as we knew not to freak out too much about me measuring behind since everything else indicated that the pregnancy was going well. DS1 was 6lb 1oz, DS2 was 6lb 15oz, Ds3 was 6lb 13oz and all about 19in long.

I would have your doc run regular NST and check your placenta and fluid levels before pursing an induction. Then if there is cause for one, then go ahead, but definitely make sure it is an informed decision based on a variety of factors and not just simply measuring behind.

xnbride · February 2013

I just saw your update! Great to hear. Good luck and happy birthing.

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