Is my baby not growing?

[stayinhmma]

My baby is due on on the 26th of Nov. For the last 4-6 weeks my uterus has measured around 30 cen. Two weeks ago, my midwife said the baby has probably just dropped, yesterday, she seemed surprised that it was only 30 cm. but still didn't seem that concerned. Has this happened to anyone else? Should I go get an ultra sound?

[Mrs_Hos]

Personally I wouldn't worry--the baby is probably jsut in a position that isn't as 'measureable' (like if you are carrying side ways as opposed to all out in front etc)
What did your m/w say about u/s?

[stayinhmma]

Thanks for your reasurring input! My m/w said she wouldn't recommend an ultra sound YET. She said just make sure I'm eating enough protein, carbs, and drinking lots of water.

[twogreencars]

Yup. My measurements have been pretty stable, too. On Tuesday, MW said - it's fine - baby is getting lower and lower and told me she would tell me when I had something to worry about!

[BathrobeGoddess]

I'm 39 weeks and I am measuring 35...last week I was 36 so I'm going backward. My MW told me not to worry about it...she could feel how big the babe is and how his/hers postion had changed.

[stayinhmma]

Thanks for your input. I feel the baby's movements strongly, m/w says there is adequate fluid surrounding her. It just seems strange that I'm 36 and have been at 30 for 6 weeks now. I guess pregnancy is just one big episode of worry.

[midwestmeg]

I am measuring 'small' which concerns one of my mw's and not the other.... I know I'm carrying #2 much lower than I did #1 and I'm using the same things to reassure myself that you are; my baby moves well every day and I am hungry and healthy.

When the mw was concerned, I asked my BIL (a regular doc) and my regular mw what they thought.... they both said 'all babies are different, people are different, babies move, heart beat is good, baby is good.'

But I did go through the stress and worry anyway. I hear you on that one.

[stayinhmma]

Originally Posted by midwestmeg

I am measuring 'small' which concerns one of my mw's and not the other.... I know I'm carrying #2 much lower than I did #1 and I'm using the same things to reassure myself that you are; my baby moves well every day and I am hungry and healthy.

When the mw was concerned, I asked my BIL (a regular doc) and my regular mw what they thought.... they both said 'all babies are different, people are different, babies move, heart beat is good, baby is good.'

But I did go through the stress and worry anyway. I hear you on that one.

thanks for you understanding reply. It really helps to hear of others that have the same worries.

I have two cousins that have had full term babies that were only 4lbs.+ Thier placentas had begun to deteriorate and weren't supplying the baby with sufficient nutrients, this is my concern.
Now, when everyone says "You look small for being in your last month!", it doesn't make me happy anymore, just concerned. Are you considering an u/s?

[Mrs_Hos]

If an u/s helps your mind, I'd do it...no need to stress in these last days ya know? Also--with your cousins experiences, I can understand your worry. How do they 'test' if your placenta function is a-ok? Can they tell thru the u/s??
Let us know what you find out! I hope everything is ok for you mama!

[gen_here]

Like Eden (I think it was)... I'm going backward now, too. I was consistently measuring 2-3 cm ahead, and as of Monday's 38 week appointment, I'm measuring 37 cm was 38 at 37w and 39 at 36w). I'm not worried, my doctor isn't worried... she said the baby is just dropping lower each week.

If you think about it, your baby could very well still be growing - 1cm or so each week. It could just be that s/he's getting lower and lower each week, too.

But I also agree with Bobbi... if you're really worried about it, talk to your doctor about an u/s. I'm not a huge fan of them, personally, but if it would help to calm you and let you see that baby's doing okay still, it would seem worth it to me.

[midwestmeg]

Originally Posted by stayinhmma

Now, when everyone says "You look small for being in your last month!", it doesn't make me happy anymore, just concerned. Are you considering an u/s?

No, I decided not to do a u/s. It was just one mw's opinion.... it does stress me out, some. I so completely understand your concern. Sometimes I think my stress comes from reading the boards on a regular basis- you can read about so many different experiences it can make you nervous.

I do have my first pregnancy to compare this to, so I'm feeling okay. It's hard to explain, but having children is such an exercise in faith for me, and if I didn't use absolute faith in my pregnancy, I'd be a nut.

I think you got good advice, though, it's not like anyone considers it a big deal to do a u/s. If it eases your mind, do it! I know that's why my mw wanted one... mostly to just ease her mind.