measuring big...

[Victorian]

I have a doula client that is measuring three weeks ahead. She is currently at 30 weeks. They are concerned about it. She had one in depth ultrasound and they didn't note the baby's kidneys doing their business so they want to do another one, more in depth. She passed her blood sugar draw, but they are having her do a fasting one as well.

I just want to get some ideas on what could be causing it. This is her second baby. She is not overweight. She is not exhibiting signs of Pre-eclampsia.

[MsBlack]

Well that is simply absurd! 3 centimeters ahead of weeks is NOT an issue in my book. 5 probably wouldn't be, either. The fundal height measurement is just not that reliable, so many factors play into the picture. Her baby could simply be having a growth spurt...oh, so many things...but now they are going all 'hi risk' on her, and promoting nothing but needless worry.

I hate that! I hope you can help her keep from getting bowled over by test after test leading to intervention after intervention.

[Reha]

Originally Posted by MsBlack

Well that is simply absurd! 3 centimeters ahead of weeks is NOT an issue in my book. 5 probably wouldn't be, either. The fundal height measurement is just not that reliable, so many factors play into the picture. Her baby could simply be having a growth spurt...oh, so many things...but now they are going all 'hi risk' on her, and promoting nothing but needless worry.

I hate that! I hope you can help her keep from getting bowled over by test after test leading to intervention after intervention.

:

[mendomidwife]

Three cm's isn't that much of a concern.....although would be good to keep an watch on the size vs dates.....
There are other factors to consider. She already had a sono - so she knows it's not twins.
Could be excess fluid...which could be due to a kidney problem. Could be a large baby....could be that the baby was stretched out on the day they measured.....
I would tell her not to worry unless they find a definate problem.

Carla

[PapayaVagina]

I measured big throughout my pregnancy but often was a good 8 weeks ahead. I definitely had polyhydramnios early on that seemed to stabilize later and seemed more proportionate to dd who was 10 pounds 6.5 ounces

[pamamidwife]

wow, three cms ahead of weeks is no big deal. I just had an email conversation with Gail Hart and she was talking about the uselessness of fundal height measurements after 30 weeks in terms of accuracy, determining IUGR, etc.

BTW, Hi VICTORIA!

[SublimeBirthGirl]

What might be causing it...her body shape probably. I always measured small, even 4 cm small, and my smaller baby was 7-12. My bigger was 8-1. She really shouldn't worry.

[Victorian]

yeah, I am totally on the "don't worry" about it bandwagon. This client is a little more medical than I am though...more of the let's test to see kind. I don't think that htey are absolutely freaking on her. But she is worried. It has been pretty consistely measuring big, they are sure of the dates and with her other pregnancy, she measured dead on. But this is a different sexed baby which I think can make a difference. Thanks for the reassurance. I will pass it on to her

V.

p.s. HI PAM!