Measuring small, felt so big!

elizabethnseanny · February 2013

My doctor is having me get an unplanned ultrasound to check fluid and growth tomorrow...with the gap in growth estimates, I worry about how this will help. I guess maybe they would say bedrest to help baby grow? Or check again in a week to make sure he is growing? Not sure what to expect from this. I barely made it to my appt this afternoon due to so many painful contractions at work, but came home and got on my side and they slowed. Kind of been that same story for 2 weeks or so, just timeable today. I've gained well I think, right at 20 lbs and drink 100 to 150 oz of water a day. Any thoughts on what to expect if they estimate a small baby andor low fluid? Thanks for your thoughts...

gradbeth · February 2013

I am in the same position, so curious what others will say. I have my growth scan tomorrow, so perhaps I can be of help then! I have a feeling it doesn't mean much, they just check the ultrasound to make sure your placenta is still working ok and and the cord is functioning. Some people just have small babies.

I was almost a week late and I only weighed 6 pounds, so it's possible we have perfectly healthy small babies. I would be more concerned about the contractions tbh.

elizabethnseanny · February 2013

I had early contractions with my others too, and ended up preterm with one. So far I can stop them with complete side rest. I really want to make it to 36 weeks, but maybe my age is affecting how well baby is growing I'm 36. My other babies were small, but I always measured fine.

rencontrezmoi · February 2013

I had an ultrasound last week for the same reason. At 32 weeks, I was measuring 3 weeks behind at 29 weeks. The ultrasound showed that baby is actually growing a little ahead of schedule, fluid levels are normal. Baby is also head down in my pelvis, and the MFM said that when baby is sitting low like this, it can cause the small measurement. Maybe this is the same case for you.

jacmahan · February 2013

Hey there, I had an unplanned u/s on Tuesday to check on baby's growth because at 33 weeks I was measuring at 30. I can't be of much help in regards to what it means if your baby is also measuring small because my girl was right on schedule. The doctor said that it is not uncommon for some mums to measure small even though their LO is growing as they should and because ultrasounds are so low risk most doctors would rather be safe and utilize them for peace of mind.

GL with your u/s, let us know how it goes! I'm sure everything will be fine - it's nice to get one last look before LO arrives anyway!

ETA: The technician estimates my girl's weight at 4.5lbs+/- already, so I don't think she's going to be a runt!

elizabethnseanny · February 2013

Thank you both for the reassurance, I'm hoping he is just packed in there tight as he is sitting very low already.

TnArichmond · February 2013

When I was pregnant with DD, I had 2 nst's and 3 ultraspunds in the last 5 weeks bc she was measuring small. She was progressing, but about half the rate she should have been. I didn't have any problems with contractions though, according to the nst's, i was having them, but couldn't feel them. I was induced on her due date, since they were worried about a placenta issue. Everything was fine, I just have a petite little miss. She is a string bean like.her daddy even 5 years later.

BellaBean76 · February 2013

I was getting an u/s today b/c baby has kidney issues:( At my appt with ob this morning he said I was measuring small (FH) and was a bit concerned. However at the u/s this afternoon they did growth scan and baby is 4lbs 15 ounces...although she is on the smaller side (measuring in the 30th percentile)...they are totally fine with it! So just b/c you are measuring small doesn't mean anything bad!! GL.

ahenry143 · February 2013

I am currently doing the u/s, nonstress test, doctor appt two times per week to check on baby's growth. My doctor told me last time that I may just have a small baby. With the u/s they are checking the biophysical tests - whether baby is "practice breathing", moving well, cord flow, placenta, etc. I have been told as long as these remain good, we are in good shape. My baby is actually right around the 10th percentile right now, so I have been warned that we may have to induce earlier than my due date (I am currently 35 1/2 weeks) if the percentile drops. However, she is not concerned that anything is overwhelmingly wrong. She assured me that babies that are small most often thrive once outside where they are able to get better nutrition as it is often just a slight miscommunication between mom and baby. One thing she did say to me that made me feel better was that at this stage, age means a lot more than size. Where size does matter, the age of the baby is most important because the vital and crucial developments aren't behind.. just the fat growth normally! She also said not to get too in tune to weights week to week, as often it is not enough of a change to really tell us how baby is growing because of the chance of error in the u/s measurements. It is nerveracking but she has said some good things to make me feel better about it - which I hope help you! I am currently on bedrest to help baby get as much as it can at this point. I'm not sure about your fluid question (mine has been normal).. good luck to you!

elizabethnseanny · February 2013

Thanks so much! My scan is in a few hours, I'm calm and eager for a peek :

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