Growth U/S this morning - he's a bruiser!

MissMeegs · November 2013

I'm really not sure how accurate these growth ultrasounds are in terms of weight--just about everyone I know who had one ended up with a smaller baby than the tech estimated.

But maybe that's wishful thinking, because I'm just 33 weeks tomorrow and today they estimated the baby to be 5.5 pounds already! Seeing as how I have a friend who just gave birth to a full term 39 weeker who weighed 6 pounds even, I am astounded and freaked out! The OB said there's no reason for concern yet, and that they'll keep an eye on it and maybe induce me early if it seems like he's going to be a monster.

Officially scared for my vagina at the moment. Oh and he's head down and my cervix and placenta look perfect, everything else looks perfect...So I am happy! Just a big ole baby in there!

mrsjenni · November 2013

That sounds about average, right? DS1 weighed in at over 7.8lbs at 34 weeks and that was (obviously) huge. 5 pounds sounds normal at this point. You'll likely end up with an average-sized baby at birth. You never know though, as growth u/s aren't an exact science... they simply take the head & belly circumference and the femur length to estimate how big the baby is.

Munchie2.0 · November 2013

i grimaced when I read that! I am sure everything will be fine at term... If not, I will be praying for your lady bits

MissMeegs · November 2013

She said he's measuring a week and a half ahead, so he's the size of a 34.5 weeker. I won't worry until the doctor worries, and she seemed fine with it, just said he's "above average" for 33w.

I'm not sure I want to be induced, but I am also starting to head into the "okay I am so ready to be done" phase, so if it comes to that I will probably say yes! But I won't have another u/s for four weeks, so we aren't worrying about it yet! (or trying not to..)

AnnikaD20 · November 2013

The rule of thumb is that your LO will gain about an ounce a day at this point in the pregnancy, so that would be 8.5 lbs at 40 weeks. Which is above average, but not crazy or anything. Or maybe they gave you their estimate for weight at full term.

My baby has been measuring huge too, and here are some things I've been telling myself to feel better. 1. Your body will tend to grow a baby that's the right size for you. (DH says it's like a fish growing to the size of it's tank, lol). 2. Small women have big babies without problems all the time. 3. (as you noted) U/S is frequently off by quite a bit, and they're kind of just guessing. 4. My mom was a few weeks early with all of us, and it's quite possible that he'll come a bit early if he's ready/ runs out of space. 5. Bigger babies sleep through the night earlier.

FWIW, my OB won't induce just because you're measuring ahead/big. She seems to think it's not something to be concerned about.

MrsGraham06 · November 2013

You'll be fine either way. I gave birth vaginally to a sunny-side-up 10 pound baby (yes, there were drugs!). But here I am, pregnant with #4. Obviously I survived

nbbride06 · November 2013

Per my OB, "growth ultrasounds can be off by 20% even with the best equipment."

waterlily2k2 · November 2013

DS has a ginormous head. Like, bobble head huge. I did need forceps to help me out, but very surprisingly only ended up with a small 1st degree tear. He was 8lb 4oz when he was born. I didn't have much bladder control after though. Not sure if that's even related. So, there is hope that things will be ok!

Tcbrannon222 · November 2013

I go with this LO in a week but with the two older girls they were off by a pound or more. First dd was only suppose to be 5-5.5 lbs(3weeks early) she was 7.4 and second dd I was told no bigger than 8 she was 9! I wouldn't worry to much. He will be perfect and it will work out. Good luck.

goldenB · November 2013

I'm a bit scared too. At 30wks baby measured 2wks ahead and weighed 4.3lbs - putting me in the 90th percentile.

Officially worried for my poor, pelvic-rested hoo-ha.

Have mercy on me child.

Siblynika · November 2013

I wouldn't put too much stock into what the ultrasound. My friend's son was estimated to be over 10 pounds and they were pushing her to induce- he was born at 41 weeks and was 8 pounds and some change.