how accurate is determining fetal weight by palpation? « Back to Group Discussions

[kateaton]

Today at my mw appointment, she very confidently declared that this baby is already in the "high sevens", just by feeling around.  I'll be 37 weeks tomorrow and am measuring at 36.5.  I'm the smallest I've ever been during pregnancy and everyone just keeps telling how good I "still" look (as if I'm expected to look like crap at this point).  Also, I've lost a half a pound at each of my last 2 appointments.  I'm totally confused about that one, but at least she's not concerned.  

So, how accurate could that be?  I mean is it possible that some people just have that skill?  At this rate, if I go to 40 weeks, she'll be 9.5 lbs!  That 's really big.  I'm only 5'2".

[finnegansmom]

I had a very skilled midwife, with my second, palpate my belly (I was about 40 weeks and only measuring maybe 38-39, I was very low) declare I had a 9# baby in there.  7 days later, I had my baby and he was 9#10.  Given that they gain about 8 ounces a week at that point, she was pretty damn spot on.  But I never measured ahead at all.

I trust a skilled midwife WAY MORE than an US for baby weight. 

[OceansEve]

I've never been impressed by u/s, OB or MW "measuring" the baby. Every time I've been given a measurement close to birth it's been an over estimation.

[wendelberry]

Originally Posted by kateaton 

 I'm the smallest I've ever been during pregnancy and everyone just keeps telling how good I "still" look (as if I'm expected to look like crap at this point). 

Aren't people great?!  Always so thoughtful and considerate...

[katelove]

I read a research paper recently which found that USS and skilled practitioners are about as reliable as each other in determining weight but that the mother herself is a bit more reliable than either USS or HCP. And USS has an accuracy of about +/- 15% at this state so you could probably apply the same figures to your mid wife's estimate.

[sere234]

I don't think my midwife told me her "guess weight" for DS. And she hasn't mentioned it this time either. Maybe that's for the best! 

[kateaton]

thanks everyone for the input.  I didn't even ask for her guess, I just made an off-hand comment that maybe this one will be smaller than my others (since I look smaller this time).  time will tell...

[TheDivineMrsM]

Not sure how accurate all MWs are, but mine was dead on with DD. She predicted 7lbs at my 39w visit. DD was born at 39w4d and was 6-14. 

[wendelberry]

Originally Posted by sere234 

I don't think my midwife told me her "guess weight" for DS. And she hasn't mentioned it this time either. Maybe that's for the best! 

Agree.  I have managed to hold back on the java chip ice cream for the most part, but now there is EGGNOG in the stores!!  I did not realize the additional risks of a Nov. due date...  Unless something happens soon (either baby comes or I somehow acquire massive self-control) I may just be doomed to another 11+ pounder...