short arm and leg measurements in sonogram

[Anonymous]

This is my 3rd pregnancy. 13weeks currently. I had my first sonogram and the arms and legs of the baby are a week behind (measuring 12 weeks) than the other measurements. all other measurements are fine. I 'm seeing a specialist next week, but has anyone had any experience with this. Of course they mentioned dwarfism, and I am prepared i think for that, but I'm worried about other more complicated health problems and feeling scared.

[Anonymous]

I had the same experience - the rest of the baby measured a week ahead of the arms and legs. The possibility of dwarfism was mentioned to us and we were a little freaked out. My doctor took one look at my husband and said, "Looks like it's official. You're the father." I never really noticed but my husband has a longer torso and shorter legs. I don't know if that really is the cause or not, but it was monitored as she grew, and even in the last few weeks her measurements were "off." The sono technician told us there is always some margin of error with the extremities. Anyway, the baby is completely normal. I know it's impossible not to worry but I'd try to put it out of my thoughts as much as possible unless further testing shows there really is an issue. Good luck!

[Anonymous]

Thanks for that experience-I am FREAKING, why, oh, why did I decide to spend the three hour after the sonogram googling away and figuring that this baby will have dwarfism, downs syndrome, a skeletal disorder, or some severe genetic disorder.

I am prepared for dwarfism, but all the other conditions scare me, mainly because I would hate to have a child who lives a life of pain

[Anonymous]

I wouldn't worry...things grow at different rates. I've had several friends with babies who measured with short femurs, etc., and were warned of Down Syndrome, dwarfism, etc., and all were born JUST FINE and normal. I have one friend who was basically told her baby's measurements were soooo off on arms and legs that he would almost certainly be born disabled and a dwarf, and then they not-so-subtly encouraged her to terminate the pregnancy (this was in Massachusetts). The baby was born just fine and totally normal...both his parents are shorter, so obviously he isn't going to be a tall lanky little guy either. Hang in there....these docs like to scare to avoid liability/malpractice.

[Anonymous]

OP here. Thank you for the feedback.

I was told that I had to see the specialist because the measurements were so off (below 2.5% percentile) that it was NOT normal. I'm constantly thinking about this non-stop and still have 11 days to go until my appt with the genetic counselor/specialist.
Once again, thanks for the kind words and hopefully I'll have an OK result.

[Anonymous]

Where did you have the sonogram? When my friend and I were both pregnant, she saw a guy at WRA that scared the crap out of her about some not so out of the norms findings. I mentioned it to my OB who said that he doesn't send his patients to that guy (specifically gives out the names of doctors TO use.) b/c this guy and others are hyper about liability and scare their patients silly just to be able to say they warned of it if something happens. Total sickos!

[Anonymous]

Mine was below the 3% and all turned out PERFECTLY. I, too, was stressed beyond belief so much so that my husband called the OB and she managed to get me in to the genetic counselor two days later (versus the 10 I was going to have to wait). If you absolutely can't get in earlier with that person, perhaps try another. I say this just because the last thing you need to do right now is work yourself up to the point that you jeopardize you or your baby's health. Stress is a powerful thing.... Good luck to you and just know that there are people out there (like me) who had the same worries and was told the same scary stuff and everything was fine.

[Anonymous]

I am SURE everything is fine. It is easy to get misinformation or misinterpretation.

That being said, I have a cousin who is a little person. He has bee married to two little people (first wife died in a tragic car accident) and he has an absolutely precious child (who is also a little person). I cannot imagine someone who has had a more full life and who brings so much joy to everyone around. He has a much happier and fulfilling life than many regular size people I know.

I also have a cousin-in-law who is a little person and is also just a delight. I also have a couple of friends with children who are little people and they are such amazing children!

If you do get news (I won't call it bad - just unexpected) - please reach out to your state's little people's association. They have great resources and may be able to put you in contact with other parents of little people. You certainly may have some unexpected medical challenges to deal with, but by and large, they are totally manageable.

I wish you the best and hope you get the news you are hoping for!