bad doc appointment (2ndUpdate)

acac104 · September 2014

I went in for my 30 week appointment today and it feels like the shit hit the fan. First of all, I am apparently spilling sugar in my urine even though I passed my GD test 2 weeks earlier. Secondly, my belly is only measuring 28cm at 30 weeks despite being on track for weight gain etc. Doc said not to worry right now since I have an ultrasound in less than 2 weeks where they will measure the baby but of course I am worried. I've read so many threads on the internet where a baby measuring small ended up having birth defects and I have always measured normal until now

Thanks for all the support ladies. I finally had my 32 week ultra sound today and baby is doing fine. He is just going to be a slightly small baby because he is measuring in the 41st percentile but that is totally alright with me as long as he is healthy. Thank you again for all the comments!

[Deleted User] · September 2014

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Eora3 · September 2014

Creepy Internet hugs! Hang in there mama. If the doc had been really worried, I am sure you would have had an ultrasound right away.

JRod13 · September 2014

Hang in there and try not to worry too much. I'm sure your doc knows what they are talking about.

mlee116 · September 2014

I know it is scary because you want everything to be 100% perfect, but try to relax until they give you more information. Your doctor will let you know if there's something wrong. And ditto staying away from Google. I almost drove myself crazy with my last pregnancy by doing that!

jayellekay · September 2014

Try not to worry! Fundal height is notoriously inaccurate.

hellopartyof5 · September 2014

If they were really concerned they would have taken you in for an ultrasound right then. My Dr. doesnt even do fundal height...

bowlwoman · September 2014

My doctor doesn't even tell me what my fundal height measurements are. He just says looks good, everything on track, etc.

I had a growth scan last week that showed my baby's head in the 0 percentile.

I freaked a bit, and the doctor said even 1cm one way or the other can skew results, and that we're still within the normal range for all measurements combined. If your OB isn't alarmed, then take a deep breath and wait until the u/s. You and baby are most likely A-OK.

ambernjj · September 2014

I also agree with staying away from Google. It is like having one of those friends that always talks about the worst possible scenario possible. Just try to relax and not stress over it. Everything will be fine. I will keep T&P coming your way...

jjgypsy · September 2014

I had my check up today. I'm 28 weeks & I'm measuring 30. My doctor didn't act concerned; she said they'd watch it & if it got much bigger they'd do another ultrasound. I looked up some info. when I got home & I found this quote from mayo clinic, "Remember, fundal height is only a tool for gauging fetal growth and gestational age — it's not an exact science."

During my first pregnancy the doctors were concerned that my son was going to be a very large baby(even after an ultrasound), so much so they induced me early... He was 7lbs 6oz at birth.

I say don’t worry, if there is something to worry about the doctor will let you know.

acac104 · September 2014

Thank you everyone for all the support. I am hoping it is okay since the doc didn't order a US for sooner than the already scheduled 32 week one. To be rational, my husband is barely 5'6" and I am 5'3" so the chances of a giant baby are obviously not huge. But the worried preggo lady in me is obviously stressed and hoping all will be okay.

byrne15 · September 2014

I ALWAYS measure small. I'm talkin' 4-6 weeks behind. With ds#1 they were concerned. I had weekly u/s and 2x/week NST. He was born at 39w5d perfectly healthy and 6lbs 14oz. That was almost 7 years ago!

With ds#2, I was measuring small as well and he was born 39w5d at 7lbs 11oz.

Once again, I'm measuring small and now we just laugh.

brookey79 · September 2014

At my 24 week appointment, I was measuring 24 cm. At my 28 week appointment, I was measuring 26cm. The doctor wasn't concerned. I don't even have another ultrasound scheduled this pregnancy. I wouldn't worry about a couple of cm.

BabyRN2009 · September 2014

I wouldn't call that a bad appt! Try not to worry.

With DD1 I measured 2-3 weeks behind so my Dr ordered an u/s and baby was actually measuring 2 weeks ahead! Just depends on how you carry baby, baby's position, etc.

Cheekers2010 · September 2014

Just adding my voice to the masses Fundal height is by no means an exact science. It can be way off depending on the position of your baby in addition to the fact that it is subjective. Don't stress.

I am sorry about your sugars. Did they ask you to start the GD diet?

rshamos · September 2014

Just wanted to reiterate what everyone has said. If your doc isn't worried, then you shouldn't be! Keep us updated, I hope all goes well!

nolanova85 · September 2014

jjgypsy said:

I had my check up today. I'm 28 weeks & I'm measuring 30. My doctor didn't act concerned; she said they'd watch it & if it got much bigger they'd do another ultrasound. I looked up some info. when I got home & I found this quote from mayo clinic, "Remember, fundal height is only a tool for gauging fetal growth and gestational age — it's not an exact science."

During my first pregnancy the doctors were concerned that my son was going to be a very large baby(even after an ultrasound), so much so they induced me early... He was 7lbs 6oz at birth.

I say don’t worry, if there is something to worry about the doctor will let you know.

At my 28 week appt & ultrasound last week, baby is measuring 2 weeks ahead on ultrasound and fundal measurements are also 2 weeks ahead. They do want to do another growth ultrasound at 32 weeks (I know my LMP/EDD date is not off - was tracking everything). Is your doc planning to do anything like this?

OP - try not to worry. As everyone else has said, if your doc isn't worried, you shouldn't be! I know it is easier said than done...I've googled all sorts of reasons my baby may be this big. All I can really come up with is that there is no real rhyme or reason to their pace of growth, and as long as your doc is comfortable, you should be too.

weezy29 · September 2014

I've been measuring large and my Dr told me they don't worry too much as long as it's +/- 2 in either direction. I agree with not googling a thing though. All you will find us horror stories because those are the ones people post about, not the positive outcomes!

ColeyCannoli · September 2014

Aw, I want to give you a creepy internet hug. I know how much this sucks but one appointment doesn't spell doom. Like everyone else has said, fundal height is not an exact science and if everything has been great up until now, it could easily be a fluke. As long as you feel okay, baby's heart beat is good and baby is still moving around, I would try to chill until the ultrasound which will tell you a lot more.

It's not easy to just let it go though. You aren't crazy or anything for being worried but there's nothing you can do but try to take some deep breathes and relax. Keep us updated!

caden1206 · September 2014

I hope things improve for you.

BrideLinds · September 2014

I was also measuring 28 at my 30 week appointment. OB said it's totally normal.

jjgypsy · September 2014

nolanova85 said:

jjgypsy said:

I had my check up today. I'm 28 weeks & I'm measuring 30. My doctor didn't act concerned; she said they'd watch it & if it got much bigger they'd do another ultrasound. I looked up some info. when I got home & I found this quote from mayo clinic, "Remember, fundal height is only a tool for gauging fetal growth and gestational age — it's not an exact science."

During my first pregnancy the doctors were concerned that my son was going to be a very large baby(even after an ultrasound), so much so they induced me early... He was 7lbs 6oz at birth.

I say don’t worry, if there is something to worry about the doctor will let you know.

At my 28 week appt & ultrasound last week, baby is measuring 2 weeks ahead on ultrasound and fundal measurements are also 2 weeks ahead. They do want to do another growth ultrasound at 32 weeks (I know my LMP/EDD date is not off - was tracking everything). Is your doc planning to do anything like this?

OP - try not to worry. As everyone else has said, if your doc isn't worried, you shouldn't be! I know it is easier said than done...I've googled all sorts of reasons my baby may be this big. All I can really come up with is that there is no real rhyme or reason to their pace of growth, and as long as your doc is comfortable, you should be too.

If I've had another growth spurt by my next appointment (32 weeks), they may do an early ultrasound. If not my next planned ultrasound will be at 36 weeks.

kirstey728 · September 2014

My little bambino measured small all the way until I had my anatomy ultra sound at 19 weeks. Sometimes, they just take a little bit to have a growth spurt. It could also mean you'll have a beautiful tiny little bundle of joy! I personally feel like my baby is going to be ginormous.

keep your head up and don't stress yourself out too much.

Meether · September 2014

I've known 3 people this year whose babies were measuring small. The babies' tummies were all at like a 1 percentile compared to the rest of the body. The drs discovered it between 28 and 33 weeks for these people. However, the 3 babies were born fine, all between 6 and 7 lbs at full term gestation, and are all thriving, no complications whatsoever. It's very scary to hear this but your doctor will advise you accordingly, if they are not acting on it immediately, then I'm sure the baby is fine.

acac104 · September 2014

Thanks for all the support ladies! The OB's office just called back (after I tried to reach them for two days with not reply) and told me that my blood sugar is normal so no GD.

However, the doctor refuses to move up my ultrasound by a week saying it's too early and she's not worried "yet". Hearing from other PPs on this board I can now understand why she isn't overly concerned but I don't understand why she is being so stubborn about the ultrasound. I know of people having ultrasounds at all times in their pregnancies 28 weeks, 30 weeks etc so I'm not sure what this "too early" thing means. When I asked the office why they can't just do it for peace of mind they told me that I will "just have to wait". Btw, I am an ftm so not experience and I'm not freaking out about this particular piece of news per se but wondering if this sort of response warrants me looking for a new OB?

Cheekers2010 · September 2014

acac104 said:

Thanks for all the support ladies! The OB's office just called back (after I tried to reach them for two days with not reply) and told me that my blood sugar is normal so no GD.

However, the doctor refuses to move up my ultrasound by a week saying it's too early and she's not worried "yet". Hearing from other PPs on this board I can now understand why she isn't overly concerned but I don't understand why she is being so stubborn about the ultrasound. I know of people having ultrasounds at all times in their pregnancies 28 weeks, 30 weeks etc so I'm not sure what this "too early" thing means. When I asked the office why they can't just do it for peace of mind they told me that I will "just have to wait". Btw, I am an ftm so not experience and I'm not freaking out about this particular piece of news per se but wondering if this sort of response warrants me looking for a new OB?

No. I wouldn't look for a new OB based on this. Most likely they are a busy office and have other people scheduled for u/s and one week is the soonest they can get you in. A growth u/s is more than just a peek at the baby for peace of mind. It takes awhile and involves specific measurements. You're being unreasonable.

ETA: And, I don't mean that in a snarky way. Just as a reality check. You have no pressing need for a u/s. Other women may.

bowlwoman · September 2014

Meether said:

I've known 3 people this year whose babies were measuring small. The babies' tummies were all at like a 1 percentile compared to the rest of the body. The drs discovered it between 28 and 33 weeks for these people. However, the 3 babies were born fine, all between 6 and 7 lbs at full term gestation, and are all thriving, no complications whatsoever. It's very scary to hear this but your doctor will advise you accordingly, if they are not acting on it immediately, then I'm sure the baby is fine.

My MFM said the abdominal measurement is the main one they look at (when I questioned why Q's head measurement was in the 0 percentile). Apparently the body is still depositing a lot of stuff in the liver at this point, so the AC measurement is usually bigger than the others in terms of proportion. So, yeah, I could see why a small AC measurement would be more concerning than a larger one for some people.

And yes, the doctors will act immediately if there's a problem. OBs have the highest risk of malpractice lawsuits, so most of the time they are super careful about any problem that might go wrong.

erien · September 2014

@acac104‌ You can't just demand an ultrasound. Some women only get one ultrasound their entire pregnancy. I believe your doctor means its too close to your last ultrasound. I'm sure she wants to give the baby time to grow before a recheck. Remain calm. Nothing you've said in your posts warrants much concern.

acac104 · September 2014

Thanks for all the comments ladies, this is making a lot more sense. I will keep you posted and good luck to everyone!

CandEChicago · September 2014

acac104 said:

Thanks for all the support ladies! The OB's office just called back (after I tried to reach them for two days with not reply) and told me that my blood sugar is normal so no GD.

However, the doctor refuses to move up my ultrasound by a week saying it's too early and she's not worried "yet". Hearing from other PPs on this board I can now understand why she isn't overly concerned but I don't understand why she is being so stubborn about the ultrasound. I know of people having ultrasounds at all times in their pregnancies 28 weeks, 30 weeks etc so I'm not sure what this "too early" thing means. When I asked the office why they can't just do it for peace of mind they told me that I will "just have to wait". Btw, I am an ftm so not experience and I'm not freaking out about this particular piece of news per se but wondering if this sort of response warrants me looking for a new OB?

You want to change your OB over 1 appointment and them advising you that they want to do a 2 week US but you personally want it at 1 week? Just making sure I am reading this correctly.

leoandethansmom · September 2014

I was scheduled an ultrasound this past week because I have been having severe pains. It wasn't per my request just so I could check on the size, my doctor ordered it because there could have been something wrong. If your doctor isn't concerned on the baby's size, they have no reason to move your ultrasound. FWIW my fundal height last week was 32 and I was 30 weeks; at my ultrasound baby is measuring right on track and my fluids are also. Fundal height doesn't mean you have a giant or tiny baby. I think you're being unreasonable to demand moving the ultrasound up.

hellopartyof5 · September 2014

Ya, if your Dr was worried they would schedule an earlier ultrasound. Try and relax.

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