Measuring Small

[Anonymous]

Up until now I've been measuring right on track, but this week the baby was measuring a week behind. I'm 36 weeks, but I'm 37 weeks tomorrow so now I'm all concerned that the baby is actually two weeks behind and no one noticed. I know I should probably just chill because I'm sure she was just in a wierd position or something, and the doctor didn't seem concerned, but I'm just worried. They aren't going to do any ultrasounds and I haven't had one since 20 weeks, so I'm just always worried. I really don't want a small baby, I want a nice big healthy one.

Can anybody offer some advice/thoughts on whether or not measuring a week behind even matters? Googling just gave me a bunch of measuring a week ahead links and stories of people whose baby's stopped growing (which is super scary).

[Anonymous]

I wouldn't worry about it. I measured 1-2 weeks behind during my first pregnancy and delivered a health 7 lb 3 oz baby girl at 39 weeks.

Also, sometimes the measurement will decrease or stay the same from one week to the next in the third trimester when the baby drops. That is what happened to me at the my last appointment at 34 weeks.

[Anonymous]

Nothing to worry about. I was measuring 2 weeks "big" for a little while, and now at 32 weeks I've been measuring right on target for a couple of appointments. I asked my doctor when I was measuring big if I was destined to have an 11 pound baby, and she said absolutely not. As long as your measurements are plus or minus two weeks, they don't give them another thought. If you are WAY off (three or more centimeters/weeks), they might do an ultrasound just to check amniotic fluid levels and to make sure that your due date is right...but you aren't there, and probably won't be. FWIW, many doctors' offices have stopped doing this measuring altogether because it is seen as unreliable. I have two different friends who delivered at Mt Sinai in Manhattan, and they never got measured during their pregnancies. If everything else looks good (and it sounds like it does), then you're fine. Relax!!

[Anonymous]

The measurements are not always accurate-- I was measuring small at 35 weeks and the next week I had a 7lb 5 oz baby.

[Anonymous]

My belly measured small a few times and my midwife was not concerned about it. She said the measurements are very subjective even when done by the same provider, and that the measurement depends on how full a woman's bladder is, the position of the baby, and the woman's position when the measurement is taken. My baby was 7 pounds 6 ounces at birth.

[Anonymous]

Two centimeters in either direction is considered normal. I actually measured 3 centimeters small one time and the doctor was unconcerned. That was around the time I had the second trimester growth screen, which showed that the baby was right on target.

[Anonymous]

I started to measure small around week 33, and every week I got the same news, so I pleaded for an u/s. I had an u/s at 37 weeks, and was ordered to go to the hospital that night to induce labor. My baby's stomach was measuring small. Turns out, I had placenta failure. I'm not trying to scare you, but I *always* trust my instincts, and my instinct told me something was wrong. My son was 5 lbs. at birth but now he's now 3 and very large and tall

[Babette70]

Measurements depend on baby's position too --- outside of there being a problem like the 23:13 poster. Always check with your OB for concerns.

[Anonymous]

I measured small the entire pregnancy until the last month. I had to have a growth ultrasound at 24 weeks to make sure baby was growing adequately. I delivered a 9.5 lb baby at 39 weeks. I have no idea what position he was in or where he was hiding all that weight.

[Anonymous]

if you're still very concerned, ask for an ultrasound. you must be your own advocate. good luck!!

[Anonymous]

OP here, I measured really small at todays appt again so they had an ultrasound. The baby measured a little small (5-7 days behind), but I think that's probably ok at this point (I'm 37 weeks, 6 days). The baby is supposed to be 6 lb, 10 oz, which is pretty good (though I know you can only take those things worth a grain of salt). The technician said that its probably just that I have a small frame or that I have gained less weight than normal people do. She estimated that the baby would be 7.5 pounds at full term, I think that's pretty good (I read online that the variation can be +/- 0.5 lbs, so she's probably a good size no matter what).

[Anonymous]

Measurements (and even ultrasound) are not an accurate predictor of your baby's size. It is not uncommon for mom's to be induced / c-sectioned because they are past due date or doctor fears baby is too big for vaginal delivery only to discover that baby was younger than expected and not ready to be born. The best assurance that baby is ready is to let natural labor begin ... don't worry too much about the measurements. Baby will come when ready

[Anonymous]

I'm the poster who had placental failure. I was told, after having an u/s, that my baby would be around 6.8 lbs. He was 5 lbs. 2 oz. -- I have no faith in u/s. As a poster stated, be your own advocate! My instincts told me something was wrong, and it was. It's like when my son is sick, I know whether we need to pay the dr. a visit or not.

[Anonymous]

Hey PP with placenta failure, didn't your 37 week ultrasound show the placenta failure? So if the OP had an ultrasound at 37 weeks and everything looked good other than the baby being less than a week behind, why would you keep telling her that if she's worried its probably her placenta?

If the baby's moving and you're eating well, there's no reason to worry.

[Anonymous]

OP, odds are that it is probably fine, but if this is going to cause you stress and worry I would ask for an ultrasound. Stress is no good for baby! An ultrasound will ease your concerns and you can relax going into the home stretch. Good luck.