I have no idea what's normal anymore... freaking out

[InPhoenix]

I haven't posted in ages and ages, but I'm freaking out right now.

At 26 weeks, we had an ultrasound that showed the baby's weight in the 65th percentile (they didn't give us a number, though). His head measured for a 4/25 due date and his body 4/30.

Fast forward to a few weeks ago when I had some concerns about movement. As a result, I now go for a weekly non-stress test and a weekly ultrasound to measure amniotic fluid.

Also, the baby is breech and will not budge so we're planning on a c section.

Oh, and my blood pressure is running high but not high enough to be pre-eclampsia. (And anyway, I'm 99% certain that the blood pressure issue is due to stress because I can get a normal measurement if I focus on breathing and relaxing). And I've lost 4-5 lbs during the past week.

The non-stress tests have all been normal. Amniotic fluid measures normal. I'm still not feeling much movement, but I've been assured that everything's OK.

Today, at the ultrasound, I asked if the tech could estimate the baby's size. I was curious, esp. since I'm at 37 weeks and look about 26 weeks.

New measurements: 5lbs 9oz in weight- less than the 50th percentile. His head now measures with a due date of 5/20 and his body now measures for a 5/9 due date. That's an almost 5 week difference on the head!

The doctor wasn't in the office so I couldn't talk to him and he's in surgery tomorrow so I have to wait until my regular appointment on Monday.

What could cause such a huge swing? The tech became very skittish with us after that: she said that she could get in trouble because she wasn't supposed to be giving us measurements... she'd done it because she hadn't expected anything to look unusual.

[HappiMommi]

You shouldn't let that bother you!!! Seriously... That person is just a tech not a doctor... Be patient and pray that your baby will be in good health... I'm sure your baby will be fine!!!

[ktmelody]

I was induced at 36 weeks 4 days for IUGR. My dd's measurments were 3 weeks behind for her belly and 2 weeks ahead for her head.
I was in 2 times a week for BPP and NST.
The week before my induction the estimated her at 5lbs 4 oz. When she was born a week later she was 6 pounds 1 oz. and clearly not IUGR. I would not worry too much about it, unless your fluid drops or the NST is alarming.
The baby is supposed to gain a 1/2 pound a week and if you go for 3 more weeks that would make the baby almost 8 pounds.
I was so worried about my baby and her growth. She was in the third percentile for her belly measurements and the 20th overall and she came out just perfect. Her proportions were right on too. I was expected a huge headed baby and a tiny belly. I am not saying that IUGR does not happen, but it seems your baby is on track wieght wise.
Plus, if the baby had to be delivered now at 37 weeks, he would most likely be just fine and grow well outside.
Good luck and try not to worry!

[13Sandals]

u/s sizing is notoriously unreliable in the last trimester! If you are really freaked out - would you consider calling the most experienced midwife in your area and ask if she'd be willing to come over and put her hands on your belly and give you a size estimate?

[crunchy_mama]

I was going to post the same. Ultrasounds are not very accurate in this homestretch. The tech was totally out of line to be discussing it anyway. I would wait to talk with the ob. I hope you able to find some peace until then.

[katytheprincess2]

I am with the "wouldn't worry to much crowd" They told after a 36 week U/S that my son (2nd child that is) was only 3 lbs and some change and a week and a half later when he was born he was 5 lbs and 13 ozs and perfectly healthy. I can't remember how far behind his head and body measurements were as it was 6 years ago but I do remember there being a huge difference in the two and a huge difference in the due date given. I have little faith in last trimester U/S needless to say.

[InPhoenix]

Thank you for all of the kind replies.

From what I've read, 3rd trimester ultrasounds are notoriously unreliable.

I think I was just feeling so overwhelmed last week and when the measurements came up so differently from what I'd expected, I really felt over the edge.

I see my doctor tomorrow, and I suspect he'll tell me the same thing: 3rd trimester ultrasounds are unreliable and everything so far points to a healthy, happy baby.