Measuring small at the end, when is it a problem?

[lhowlett]

I've had a great prregnancy. I'm due today actually! Normal everything, good weight gain, but the last 3 weeks I have been measuring small. At 37 I measured 36, then measured 37cm at 38 and 39 weeks. My midwife mentioned the baby had probably dropped at my last visit at 39 weeks, and I know that can affect measurements. I've never measured behind, always right on schedule really and #1 was 8lbs3oz, #2 was 10lbs.
MW doesn't seem concerned at all although we haven't really discussed it. But now that I'm due I'm a little concerned. What if this baby's not thriving anymore and it would be better to naturally induce labor rather than wait 2 more weeks? I'm not saying she is failing to thrive, but I have no way of knowing she's not. I go in today for my 40 week visit so I'll talk to my MW more about it and hope I measure a little bigger, but I was just curious what all of you have to say.
Thanks!
Leslie

[olive&pimiento]

I wouldn't be worried at all. It is really normal for the baby to descend into your pelvis in the last weeks.

[MyBoysBlue]

For me the amount of fluid dropped both times near the end and caused me to show no difference in measurements at 38-39 weeks. It never dropped to a dangerous level I just had to learn to keep hydrated. I didn't drink enough water as I was getting up to pee every minute anyway during those last days. That and the fact that the babe was really really low. I could feel his head if I checked myself.

[Spark]

First and foremost, let your heart guide you -- not fear, but your heart. If you feel like you need more intervention or information, then get it.

Secondly, for me, I would agree that it's probably a baby that likes to ride really low.

[~*~MamaJava~*~]

what spark said, plus...it might be a little smaller baby.

[yeahwhat]

I don't think I every measured above 37cm with any of my babies, 4 of whom were 8lbs at 40 weeks and one of whom was 9lbs4oz.

[xixstar]

Hope our appointment goes well and you can get some reassurances. I've found that when something was bothering me, even a little, and the mw didn't mention anything - it didn't have the reassurance I expected, instead I over thought about it. Long way of saying that bringing it up with the mw is a good idea. Please let us know how it went.