33 week U/S.... baby is small

discohiker · July 2014

I had a 9lb, 5oz boy for child number one. This is number two and the doc said that he/she is at about 2lb14oz at 33 weeks. The non stress test that we did yesterday came back just fine. She wants to do them twice a week until delivery now. My fluid levels are a little low, but nothing shocking. I am scheduled to travel next week, and she wasn't worried about it, but my co-workers are. No indication of early labor. I have had little to no appetite during this pregnancy, but continued to stay almost as active as before, without the long runs that I normally take. My plan is to increase my calorie intake these last weeks and switch to walking for exercise. Anyone had a similar situation with the size thing? Is this enough to make you stay home for the last 7 weeks? Seems like if the child gains the typical half pound a week from here on out I will having a 7-8lber.... which is pretty average, right?

BeachM · July 2014

My friends who have dealt with this also had PIH. One was put on bedrest and one was not. They delivered average sized babies before 40 weeks and would have had 7-8 lbers had they gone full term. Obviously I'm not a MD but I think you're right.

I'm going in for a growth ultrasound today for the opposite issue. They want to see if I'm measuring ahead because I have a giant baby or too much fluid. Ugh.

Allison7 · July 2014

From what I have heard those assessments of baby's weight can be off by quite a bit. If your OB is not overly concerned and you trust your OB, then I would not worry about it. There are so many things that can factor into this one being smaller than your other child. I have had less than average weight gain, but my OB said it is fine as long as I am eating the required calories a day. I know you said you aren't hungry, but just make sure you eat enough and you will be fine. No need to pack on extra calories unless you aren't eating enough already.

discohiker · July 2014

I am 5'10", but the doc says that I have gained right below normal for my weight gain this pregnancy. Baby measured small at 20 week U/S too. My husband's family's women are all like 5'2". I also went to 42 weeks with my son, so who knows if he would have been a lot smaller had he been born closer to due date?

discohiker · July 2014

@Ginny5683 thank you.... I am otherwise perfectly healthy and have no problems.... I really think that this is just going to be a smaller baby. I am cutting back on exercise the next couple weeks at the least, eating about 500 calories more a day and seeing where that gets me. Praying a lot too... I really just want a healthy baby and am still hoping for a VBAC.

JessaPrimate · July 2014

You mentioned nsts but not a follow up growth scan. My baby a is smaller (under 20th percentile), but he is still growing so for now they haven't mentioned doing anything about it.

Also my ob, who is chill but proactive, sent me to the mfm for a growth scan because they are apparently more accurate. Something about using different software to analyze?

discohiker · July 2014

The growth scan is scheduled for two weeks from yesterday's U/S. As I type this the little one is kicking and jabbing me...

Lawgrl04 · July 2014

I think your ideas are good re eating more calorie rich foods and getting rest. I was a small baby (4lb 6oz at term), my mom had hypertension. Now I have gestational hypertension, and at 32 weeks baby is a little smal. They said 3lb, a few ounces. BUT what is interesting is that she weighed the same a week ago. I asked the dr about it and she said last week's measurement was more accurate bc it was done by their top ultrasound expert. So these measurements are definitely not foolproof, accuracy will depend on baby's position, whether baby is moving and skill of the tech.

I would talk to your dr about it again. If she isn't concerned, press to find out why she thinks it is ok. Maybe everything is fine, but you would benefit from more information and reassurance.

mmsweeney1 · July 2014

I am having a really similar situation. My son was close to 8 lbs, but this baby measures small. She measured 2 lbs 15 at 30 weeks, which they said was 7th percentile. They are officially "concerned" now since she dropped below 10th percentile and are following up with NSTs 2x a week and a weekly ultrasound (biophysical profile) to check on the baby. Did your doctor ever mention doing Dopplers to you? It's part of the ultrasound and they look to make sure the baby is getting good blood flow and nutrients from the placenta.

They said in my case it could be because I am a small person (was 3lb 14 at birth) and she will be too, or it could be due to my cord not connecting to the placenta properly. It's marginal, which means it only connects at the side of the placenta instead of in the middle.

I just had an appointment today and my doctor said at my next growth scan if she has dropped below the 5th percentile they will plan on inducing at 37 weeks, unless the ultrasounds or NSTs indicate going even earlier.

Also, one more thing to ease your mind! I was in the hospital for early labor right at 30 weeks. Over the course of 2 days I had 3 different ultrasounds to check growth. One said she was 2 lbs 15 oz, one said 3 lbs, and one said 3 lbs 1 oz. The lowest measurement put her at 7th percentile, but the biggest measurement put her at 16th percentile. I took this as evidence that their measurements can be off and the difference in percentile measurements really is a matter of ounces. I am using that information as a reason to not worry too much!

Lawgrl04 · July 2014

My third baby, born at 39.5 weeks was perfectly healthy but a lightweight at 6lb, 7 ounces. I had no complications during the pregnancy. Some babies are just smaller. You should see her now, though; 80th percentile for height and 90th for weight!

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