Uterus and baby size ?s

[MyFullHouse]

I had an appointment today, at exactly 22 weeks. While my mw didn't actually *measure* fundal height, she was definitely surprised to feel how large my uterus was.

Otoh, it seems the numbers from my 12-week blood test indicate a higher than normal risk of low birth weight (AFP, maybe?). That's a new one for me. My previous babies were between 7lb9oz and 9lb2oz, and this baby has measured exactly 2 days ahead at my 6wk u/s, 12wk u/s, and 19wk u/s.

Because of the blood numbers, it's recommended that I also have u/s at 28 and 30-something weeks (don't remember the exact) to track measurements. I'm not really sure how I feel about that, given all of the other information.

Mw definitely doesn't seem all that concerned, so I'm doing my best to let go of any nagging worry. I'll be seeing her again before that 28wk u/s would be scheduled.

In the meantime, is it pretty safe to assume that my uterus is feeling extra large b/c my muscles are shot now and/or because this baby is breech?

For the record, I've only gained around 15lbs or so.

[finnegansmom]

I think at 22 weeks the baby is still moving around alot, so if it was breech it probably wasn't for long... LOL.
I don't put much faith in fundal height for baby size - my old OB had me worried about a HUGE baby because I was measuring so far ahead with #1 and he was a measly 8 pounds, and with #2 I measured on or below what I should have been and he was almost 10#.

I think overall you can carry differently with each pregnancy, and I know that you show earlier due to relaxed muscles, not sure if you carry bigger with each pregnancy...

If you are measuring ahead, to the point that is of a concern, I would go ahead and get the US - it could be a matter of fluid levels or the way the baby is laying?

Did you already have your ~20 week level II?

[MyFullHouse]

Originally Posted by finnegansmom

I think at 22 weeks the baby is still moving around alot, so if it was breech it probably wasn't for long... LOL.
I don't put much faith in fundal height for baby size - my old OB had me worried about a HUGE baby because I was measuring so far ahead with #1 and he was a measly 8 pounds, and with #2 I measured on or below what I should have been and he was almost 10#.

I think overall you can carry differently with each pregnancy, and I know that you show earlier due to relaxed muscles, not sure if you carry bigger with each pregnancy...

If you are measuring ahead, to the point that is of a concern, I would go ahead and get the US - it could be a matter of fluid levels or the way the baby is laying?

Did you already have your ~20 week level II?

Yes, I had the level II at about 19 weeks. His estimated size has been perfect at every scan, and I have no reason to believe he turned into a giant in the past 3 weeks. The u/s report made no mention of uterus size, and I can't remember if I saw anything about fluid levels. Everything that *was mentioned was fine.

His positioning seems to be about the same (head slightly to my right, feet slightly to my left), though it's hard to tell b/c of an anterior placenta. I can only feel the "corners", lol, and I've never been the best at identifying body parts. #4's butt felt exactly the same as his head to me!

[kalamos23]

IME and from my friends' experiences, babies tend to grow in spurts - maybe your baby had a big growth spurt?

[MyFullHouse]

Originally Posted by kalamos23

IME and from my friends' experiences, babies tend to grow in spurts - maybe your baby had a big growth spurt?

I suppose anything is possible!

I'm really annoyed to have been told this, because now I think there's a psychosymatic deal going on. All of a sudden I'm waddling, and having a miserable time trying to clean my house. Giving my 3yo a bath this morning was an ordeal.

I hate my brain, lol! It would stink to feel like this for 16-20 more weeks!