31 weeks,measuring at 34..

ashleygray89 · April 2016

At my 3d scan this week at 31 weeks my boy is weighing 5 pounds and everything is measuring 3 weeks ahead.. I guess the confusing thing to me is why they aren't changing my due date.. all they said was they stick with the first ultrasound measurments..whatever that means even tho I was un sure of my last period. . Seems like with 9 weeks left that's alot of time to grow.alot... just curious if anyone else is measuring ahead like that and what your ob said.. bc I really feel like this baby is gonna be here sooner than expected..

VikingGirl12 · April 2016

My son always measured way bigger than he should have but he was just a big baby, he still is at 2 years old. They won't change your due date this late in the game because size estimates are less accurate and size does not equal maturity. And just because a baby is big, doesn't mean it'll come early.

HBamama2B · April 2016

ashleygray89 said:

At my 3d scan this week at 31 weeks my boy is weighing 5 pounds and everything is measuring 3 weeks ahead.. I guess the confusing thing to me is why they aren't changing my due date.. all they said was they stick with the first ultrasound measurments..whatever that means even tho I was un sure of my last period. . Seems like with 9 weeks left that's alot of time to grow.alot... just curious if anyone else is measuring ahead like that and what your ob said.. bc I really feel like this baby is gonna be here sooner than expected..

Not to worry! They will usually only adjust the due date during early pregnancy as the growth rates are much more similar across pregnancies then. By the third tri, growth has a very wide range for normal and you're well within it. Babies at this stage also have growth spurts and measurements vary significantly based on the specific tech who does them so don't be surprised if your little one is less ahead next measure or pops out in a lower 7lb range. It's less the specific measurement they are looking for and more your specific growth trend apt to apt.

My LO has ranged from 2wks ahead to on the spot average for his exact gestational day. Hope this helps!

Bear14+ · April 2016

If you're really concerned, I would be ready to go a little early. But like everyone said, ultrasounds can be really off at this point. LO was 4.7lbs at my 31 week ultrasound, no one was concerned.

goldie987 · April 2016

Later scans are notorious for easily being 1-2 lbs off so it's entirely possible that the numbers aren't quite right. Also, fetal growth greatly varies later in pregnancy. Early on, developmental milestones (ie fingers, heartbeat, various other body structures) can be used to date a pregnancy within a few days whereas later on, the main difference is how large they are which isn't universal. I was only 6 lbs when I was born, my cousin was over 10, yet we were both born at full term (40 weeks), my aunt just made bigger babies than my mom did. It's possible you just make bigger babies than average as well. Whatever you do, do NOT anticipate going early, all it will do is make the last few weeks of your pregnancy awful because you'll still be pregnant even though you didn't expect to be.

marriedtoadutchman · April 2016

I agree with the others. Later scans in pregnancy can be off by a pound or two either way. And try not to mentally plan on going early, it will drive you crazy waiting every day. Also changing a due date by three weeks is extreme. Even if baby is measuring 'big' that doesn't mean that everything else is developed.

ashleygray89 · April 2016

Hmm.. 10 pounds.. that's kind of scary! I think that's where my concerns really come in.. I was a small baby, my husband was a 9 pounder.. I have a very small body frame so carrying has been difficult I have already had dislodged ribs and other things.. so it really concerned me thinking of the possibility of how much time he has to get bigger. Which he's healthy I'm thankful and if he gets bigger which he will I'll deal with it like everything else.but I did ask if a c section would be given if he did she said yes. So I'm wondering to if that's something they will know in the next couple of appointments or if people vaginally deliver 9 to 10 pound babies. I understand these are concerns I should have went more into detail with my doctor about but it was a hectic appointment testing for diabetes and being told I had to get the rhogam shot when it had never been mentioned to me until day of and the 3d scan.. brain was kinda all over the place. I think im getting super overwhelmed with everything quickly coming to an end. Lol I'm not ready yet.and I'm sure we are all starting to get anxious and scared. I'm just the type of person who has to mentally prepare so it's driving me crazy knowing this could go many different ways. In all birthing situations of course it can go many different ways

tjenkins528 · April 2016

Rhogam shots have nothing to do with baby's size, they probably just tested your blood during the diabetes screening and realized you'll need it. As far as baby size, my husband and I were both 5-6 lbs and DS was 9lbs when he was born. He always measured about two weeks ahead and he came a week late. You can do it

Plus, look at the positives. Typically bigger babies are easier to handle and start sleeping better sooner. Good luck!

BPaisley · April 2016

ashleygray89 said:

Hmm.. 10 pounds.. that's kind of scary! I think that's where my concerns really come in.. I was a small baby, my husband was a 9 pounder.. I have a very small body frame so carrying has been difficult I have already had dislodged ribs and other things.. so it really concerned me thinking of the possibility of how much time he has to get bigger. Which he's healthy I'm thankful and if he gets bigger which he will I'll deal with it like everything else.but I did ask if a c section would be given if he did she said yes. So I'm wondering to if that's something they will know in the next couple of appointments or if people vaginally deliver 9 to 10 pound babies. I understand these are concerns I should have went more into detail with my doctor about but it was a hectic appointment testing for diabetes and being told I had to get the rhogam shot when it had never been mentioned to me until day of and the 3d scan.. brain was kinda all over the place. I think im getting super overwhelmed with everything quickly coming to an end. Lol I'm not ready yet.and I'm sure we are all starting to get anxious and scared. I'm just the type of person who has to mentally prepare so it's driving me crazy knowing this could go many different ways. In all birthing situations of course it can go many different ways

I had no problem birthing my 9 lb, 15 oz, 22 inch son vaginally... the doctor did give me an episiotomy, but labor was great. I was a big baby myself (9 lbs, 8 oz), but I'm not a very big person (5'4", 145 lbs pre-pregnancy).

Goocran17 · April 2016

At my 32 week scan last week, baby girl was already measuring 5.5 lbs, and the doc isn't concerned, since my first was over 9lbs. I don't have GD, I just make big babies. My brother and I were both 9lbs, and my husband was 7 lbs, born at 32 weeks. His full term brother was over 11 lbs!

Don't worry about a vaginal birth with a big baby, as it can very easily happen. My very small framed friend gave birth to a 10.1lb girl last week with no issues.

Like others have said, don't anticipate going early. I did with my first because she was measuring ahead and the doc said she didn't think I'd make it to my due date, but ended up going a week over due. If you look forward to something happening then it doesn't, it will make the last few weeks miserable for you. Just try to relax and enjoy yourself until baby arrives.

purplefan1 · April 2016

They have not figured out how to conclusively weigh baby while in utero so all weight estimations are just that-estimates based on measurements. That was part of the trend in the past where women thought they were having bigger babies, pushed to have early induction (earlier than 38 weeks) and then baby came out smaller than estimated.

I think a slightly bigger baby is better because they have a little more body fat on them go fight off any ick they first encounter in this new world. My nephew was a big guy at birth luckily because he was exposed to an infection right after birth and had to be in NICU. Don't worry about labor and delivery. Baby will come out and doctor will do the best to get baby here safely with as little harm to you as possible.

Bee112309 · April 2016

I agree, the growth scans in later pregnancy are notoriously inaccurate. I had one done at 38 weeks with my 2nd pregnancy, when I was getting ready to try for a VBAC. The doctor I saw that week said that she was already just over 8 lbs, and tried to talk me into a repeat c-section instead. I refused, had a different (VBAC-friendly) doctor for my delivery a full 3 weeks later at 41+2. My daughter was 7lb14oz, so nowhere even close to the weight that they projected she would be by my EDD based on the scan. They base the estimated size off of the diameter of the head, the circumference of the head, the circumference of the abdomen, and the length of the femur. My daughter happened to have a 99th percentile head and long legs, so she "measured" much bigger than she actually was.

splsmama2016 · April 2016

I won't be having another scan the rest of my pregnancy, I believe, but my belly measurements have been spot on to how far along I am, +/- a day or two. It does feel like baby is running out of room in there, but she will stay put as long as she needs to.
Im not all that concerned about size just yet, even though H was a 10.5lb sack of potatoes and broke my mil's bottom two ribs, AND tore her to shreds. I was on the small side, but reality is, as long as she comes out one way or another and she's healthy, I don't care. Obviously id prefer a vaginal birth but it's not 100% up to me when that time comes.

mimi_8607 · April 2016

Like others have said those scan are not completely accurate. At the end of my pregnancy with DS the told me I was measuring ahead and he was gonna be 8lbs+. He came out 6lbs 11.5oz. I was shocked.

snowhite12 · April 2016

I wouldn't be worried at all. I have measured 3 weeks early since 28ish weeks and they wont move my due date.
My DD measured a week behind through most of my pregnancy and came two days shy of her due date.
I will be 35 weeks on friday. I plan on at least being prepared at 37 weeks but hoping he doesn't come til 40 weeks as my H and I have been slacking lol.
As for weight of the baby, my mom was a pant size 2, very slender (no joke her and I both have the frames of a 14 year old boy lol) and she pushed my big 10 pound butt out no problem.
I was a pant size 1 pre-pregnancy and had a healthy 7 lb 13 oz baby girl.
My hips widen from my first birth and now I run about 2-4 size, 115-120 lb pre-pregnancy,
I honestly don't know why people worry about weight, I would think since the head is the biggest part, that would be more of a concern. I also believe what another PP said, larger newborns are easier to handle.

alysemci · April 2016

Ya my ultrasound showed the baby was right under 3 weeks ahead. I'm not worried because 1. They're always wrong
2. Growth spurts happen even in the womb and can level out
3. People push out huge babies every day

vulpini · April 2016

What everyone else said. The estimates at this point are not accurate, babies can have growth spurts, and there is a wide range in normal baby size that does not correlate with maturity. If they changed your due date, they could be in the position of treating a baby who is 38-39 weeks maturity-wise as a 41-42 weeker and inducing labor unnecessarily.

As far as size, an acquaintance of mine had a 12-pound baby girl vaginally a few months ago. She has a wide pelvis, so baby fit. It's more about how big the opening in your pelvis is than your pant size or baby size. If your doctors haven't voiced any concerns about it, then they must think there isn't an issue of fit and you shouldn't worry ahead of time.

xc1148 · April 2016

They don't know your baby's weight...they are estimates. And they are usually wrong! My friend "had" to have a c-section because her baby was "too big"....8lbs, 1oz later...

Alanna999 · April 2016

I have a similar question... does anyone have any experience with their baby's head measuring ahead of their body? I just spoke to my midwife, and she said that all measurements were on track, except that the head was measuring 2 weeks ahead.

MynaBird · April 2016

My first baby consistently measured ahead based on fundal height and ultrasound measurements. She was born 12 days past my "due date," longer than average but not particularly massive (8.5 pounds). Even my OB doesn't put too much stock in the various methods used to estimate size in utero.

Emztron500 · April 2016

Alanna999 said:

I have a similar question... does anyone have any experience with their baby's head measuring ahead of their body? I just spoke to my midwife, and she said that all measurements were on track, except that the head was measuring 2 weeks ahead.

I wouldn't put too much stock in it. My baby's head consistently measured BEHIND the rest of her which freaked me out but my midwife said not to worry. She had/has a perfectly normal-sized head. Unfortunately for my battered pelvis, I guess.

Alanna999 · April 2016

@Emztron500 thanks so much for sharing that - the reassurance definitely helps! My midwife doesn't seem too concerned, so I'm trying not to read too much into it

TunieBee · April 2016

My first always measured over the 90th percentile and over two weeks ahead. When he was born 10 days late he only weighed 8 pounds. Late scans are notoriously unreliable.

emmyfreeman27 · April 2016

Don't worry about a late-term scan. Really and truly. Unless you are monitoring something specific, late term scans are mostly unnecessary--- they often cause undue alarm and can really put you on an emotional rollercoaster

Don't worry about measurements, and also don't worry when they start doing vaginal exams--- they will tell you NOTHING about when or how you will labor. (In fact, if you want to avoid that awful rollercoaster of, "Oh, he said I'm 2cm-- surely this baby will come tomorrow!", just say no to vaginal exams!-- You are perfectly within your rights to say no to those! I promise, your body will let your baby come out when it's time... and your dilation won't tell you when that'll be!)

longhurrdontcurr · April 2016

emmyfreeman27 said:

Don't worry about a late-term scan. Really and truly. Unless you are monitoring something specific, late term scans are mostly unnecessary--- they often cause undue alarm and can really put you on an emotional rollercoaster

Don't worry about measurements, and also don't worry when they start doing vaginal exams--- they will tell you NOTHING about when or how you will labor. (In fact, if you want to avoid that awful rollercoaster of, "Oh, he said I'm 2cm-- surely this baby will come tomorrow!", just say no to vaginal exams!-- You are perfectly within your rights to say no to those! I promise, your body will let your baby come out when it's time... and your dilation won't tell you whe that'll be!)

I've heard that checking for dilation is super painful.... Fantastic.

Eta: wrong smiley

Bear14+ · April 2016

@longhurrdontcurr Didn't hurt me at all last time. Think it depends on the person and where your cervix is & how aggressive the person who is checking is.

I I was told today that my next appointment on 5/13 they will do GBS and check my cervix...I'm not worried about it!

HBamama2B · April 2016

longhurrdontcurr said:

emmyfreeman27 said:

Don't worry about a late-term scan. Really and truly. Unless you are monitoring something specific, late term scans are mostly unnecessary--- they often cause undue alarm and can really put you on an emotional rollercoaster

Don't worry about measurements, and also don't worry when they start doing vaginal exams--- they will tell you NOTHING about when or how you will labor. (In fact, if you want to avoid that awful rollercoaster of, "Oh, he said I'm 2cm-- surely this baby will come tomorrow!", just say no to vaginal exams!-- You are perfectly within your rights to say no to those! I promise, your body will let your baby come out when it's time... and your dilation won't tell you whe that'll be!)

I've heard that checking for dilation is super painful.... Fantastic.

Eta: wrong smiley

You can always decline a dilation check. It's not generally necessary, even during labor. But if they're already doing GBS or something else, may as well. If laboring in the hospital--especially in late June/early July--DO NOT let a resident check your cervix. They're all brand new and terrible. Ask for an attending.

CourtJack · April 2016

Go look at May's thread on dilation - those getting checked often times just get their hopes up or get really bummed b/c they're not dilated at all. It's a pointless exercise that rarely serves a purpose.

And ditto to everyone's advice on late term scans.

june2016baby · April 2016

I had an amnio done at 37 weeks (a mere HOURS) before my son born-to check his lung development. The doctor was very experienced, beyond what I would expect of an ultrasound tech. My son's estimated weight was 8 lb 9 oz, and he was born a few hours later weighing 8 lb 10 oz. (just a mere ounce off). So perhaps, a very experienced person is more accurate (or my case was just luck).

VikingGirl12 · May 2016

CourtJack said:

Go look at May's thread on dilation - those getting checked often times just get their hopes up or get really bummed b/c they're not dilated at all. It's a pointless exercise that rarely serves a purpose.
And ditto to everyone's advice on late term scans.

Yes. This. My OB ONLY checks if she thinks labor has started and even then, doesn't do a thing unless you're 4+ cm. The only reason she checks then is to do "serial checks" as she calls them, to see how fast you're progressing.

huskypuppy14 · May 2016

Is it true that cervical checks hurt more if you are closed? If you are dilated some, then they aren't as uncomfortable?

WVUPetunia · May 2016

longhurrdontcurr said:

emmyfreeman27 said:

Don't worry about a late-term scan. Really and truly. Unless you are monitoring something specific, late term scans are mostly unnecessary--- they often cause undue alarm and can really put you on an emotional rollercoaster

Don't worry about measurements, and also don't worry when they start doing vaginal exams--- they will tell you NOTHING about when or how you will labor. (In fact, if you want to avoid that awful rollercoaster of, "Oh, he said I'm 2cm-- surely this baby will come tomorrow!", just say no to vaginal exams!-- You are perfectly within your rights to say no to those! I promise, your body will let your baby come out when it's time... and your dilation won't tell you whe that'll be!)

I've heard that checking for dilation is super painful.... Fantastic.

Eta: wrong smiley

Lurker from July, but I wouldn't say they're any more painful than say a Pap smear... Now stripping your membranes... That is painful! I about jumped off the table screaming!

MynaBird · May 2016

In my experience, cervical checks stop being awful as soon as the epidural kicks in and not a moment sooner.

Want a personalized experience?

31 weeks,measuring at 34..

Re: 31 weeks,measuring at 34..

Choose Another Board

Search Boards