Measuring Small

hmhierholzer · August 2015

I had an appointment last week at 30w1d and my doctor said I am measuring 28cm (1cm growth since my 27w appointment). She told me not to worry, but I can't help it. I know there is a 2cm margin of error on fundal measurements, but all I can think about is that my baby isn't growing properly and that she may have a serious health issue or not make it. Has anyone else measured small and had it turn out fine? I have an ultrasound scheduled this week (routine for my doctor, she said it's not because she's concerned about her growth) so hopefully that will help ease my fears, but it seems like it's light years away and all I am doing is worrying.

midge519 · August 2015

With my first I consistently measured 1-2cm behind. He was born at 39w5d weighing 6lbs 3oz. He was on the smaller size but completely healthy. My second I measured right on time but I felt massive. This pregnancy is different again. At my last appointment there was a student there so the doctor measured me getting right on 28 weeks, the student got 26 so she showed him how to do it properly and got between 29 and 30. It really varied between people and the position of the baby.

All that to say I think you will be fine. I understand your worry but deep breath Momma, it'll be ok.

Telebell · August 2015

Happened to me too near the end. My doc got a bit worried about my fundal height. My daughter *was* a bit on the small side-5lbs 12 oz at birth. But that's just how she is. Slim and tall. Otherwise totally normal and I'm sure your baby is fine too.

smlowe9311 · August 2015

I don't recall exactly how much I was measuring behind with dd1 (I *think* it was 1-2 weeks) but she was born at 38w4d and was 7 lbs. 9 oz. Like pp's have said it depends on how baby is laying and who does the measuring.

babealertz · August 2015

I measured small at my last appointment, but the doctor told me that it was probably just how I carry. Nevertheless, she added a note to check growth at the ultrasound I had scheduled a few days later. Turns out my baby is exactly where he should be at this stage. Don't tie yourself up in knots worrying! The measurement could have been off, or you could be carrying small, or your baby could be a little on the small side but perfectly healthy. Any of those scenarios seem much more likely than the worst case scenario.

LiveNLove44 · August 2015

I measured a week behind at my 24-week appointment, and then measured right on track at my 28-week appointment. I definitely understand the worry that can come with over-thinking it, but try to trust your doctor, too. Temper your worry with their experience, and hopefully you'll find a good balance there. I hope all stays well!

Nukke · August 2015

I was consistently 2cm behind on all my measurements with my first as well. And my little girl was a little bit on the small side when she was born, but she was also 10 days early, so she wasn't *that* much smaller. she was 6lbs 14oz. She is nearly 2 now, and before her first birthday she hit every milestone with weight and height and was in the 80th+ percentile for both. (Now she's 50th for both, so completely average)

Don't fret mamma. Small babies are also perfectly healthy babies.

hmhierholzer · August 2015

Thank you all for your responses! Naturally when I heard she was measuring behind, I started googling like crazy and have a fear she has IUGR or some type of abnormality. I realize this isn't likely since she has measured either on track or a bit ahead at all previous ultrasounds and her anatomy scan was completely perfect, I just can't help but worry. Hopefully the next few days fly by and all goes well with the ultrasound

christina4436 · August 2015

Measurements in general are just appx. But either way my baby has been measuring small since 20 wks and technically am IUGR. However all testing was normal, took the addl Materniti 21 genetic tests at 24 weeks and everything normal. I go every week so they can monitor cord blood flow and levels and they said everything has been perfect. As long as baby continues to grow on same curve, they are just small. Nothing wrong with that as long as monitoring. Baby gets meaured every 2 weeks, but have been under the 10th percentile for the last 8 so I don't really expect a huge change. We will see Thurs! Nothing to be worried about as long as they are monitoring you and thinks check out. But if you are small again next time if you haven't done genetic/infection testing you could mention to rule that out and ease your mind. Likely If it was that though it probably would have measured small earlier. Later small measurements could just be growth spurts vs not or onset IUGR.

babykitcat · August 2015

My friends baby completely stopped growing about 3 weeks early. They scheduled a c-sectionand the baby was completely fine when born! Doctors will make sure you and your baby are fine! On the other hand we are allowed to worry but try not to!

amberrmariee20 · August 2015

My first pregnancy I never measured any bigger and he was 9.7 lbs being born ! I would worry over measurements !

hmhierholzer · August 2015

Just wanted to provide an update in case anyone else experiences something similar...we had a growth ultrasound today and it turns out our baby girl is measuring 10 days ahead even though my fundal height indicated I was 2 weeks behind. I am so beyond relieved!!!

carmv01 · August 2015

I'm measuring small as well! I'm 31 weeks today and at my appointment yesterday, she said I was more than 2cm behind so she wants to do a growth scan this week just to check on things. She asked how much I weighed when I was born (5 lbs, 4 oz!), and since I'm very petite by nature, she didn't seem that worried. Since it's a fundal height measurement, she can't tell if it's how the baby's positioned, my genetics, or what, but I'm looking forward to seeing my little boy again on Thursday morning

I feel your worry as well, but I'm saying positive and I'm sure it will be fine.

Edit: Just saw your update. What a relief! Also shows how inaccurate these fundal height measurements can be...

lindsayp916 · August 2015

I also was measuring 2cm behind on the fundal height, so my dr scheduled a sono. Turns out she's 6 days ahead, so thankfully small uterus mommas are growing normal sized babies!!

MrsL32 · August 2015

During my last pregnancy LO was measuring small at my 32 week u/s (around 5th percentile). Due to that my doc ordered weekly BPPs and NSTs to monitor for IUGR. She said he could just be a small baby, or it could indicate IUGR. All monitoring appointments went smoothly, and I had a repeat c/s at 39 weeks. He was 6.7 when he was born. Ever since he has always hovered around the 10th percentile, he is just a peanut! But totally healthy otherwise!

christina4436 · August 2015

MrsL32 said:
During my last pregnancy LO was measuring small at my 32 week u/s (around 5th percentile). Due to that my doc ordered weekly BPPs and NSTs to monitor for IUGR. She said he could just be a small baby, or it could indicate IUGR. All monitoring appointments went smoothly, and I had a repeat c/s at 39 weeks. He was 6.7 when he was born. Ever since he has always hovered around the 10th percentile, he is just a peanut! But totally healthy otherwise!

Good to hear,hoping that is my case !

Littlehummingbird · August 2015

I just had an appointment today and am measuring a little behind. I've been right on track or ahead until now. I have an ultrasound tomorrow. It's a relief to hear how it went for you! Thanks for following up with the update!

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