Measuring Ahead

[loudmama]

Hey all,

Can you all mention reasons why I may be measuring ahead? I know that size of baby, GD, & way baby may be lying can all be factors. I was measuring fine at 20 weeks. My FP Dr isn't really concerned. Just said that if I'm measuring ahead in 4 weeks we'll do another ultrasound. I'm just wondering, as is my DH.

I'm a doula, but frankly I'm not sure how to even look this info up. Plus, the doula brain is being replaced by pregnancy brain! :lol

Thanks,
L

[KittyKat]

How far "ahead" are you measuring?

Factors that can influence fundal measurement:
Positioning of baby
Technique of caregiver
Number of babies (twins/multiples)
Amount of amniotic fluid (and in SOME cases, extra amniotic fluid can indicate other problems, but not always)
Full bowel/bladder

Can't think of more right off.

I always measure "ahead" until past 20 weeks, because for one I'm short and there's not a lot of room in there. For another, I've had a few previous pregnancies, and well, that tends to stretch things out a bit.

Once I get past 20 weeks, I start to measure more "average" and in line with what's expected.

Kathryn

[loudmama]

You know, I can't recall how far ahead I was measuring. I would think its not multiples, just because you would think that would have shown up on the 20 week ultrasound. (Funny, that's been a paranoia & running joke of DH.) I was also thinking lots of amniotic fluid as well, but hadn't thought of full bowels, which is always a possibility. I'm about 5'5" & this is my second pregnancy. DD measured fine throughout.

Thanks. Just running this all through my head....

L

[LeosMama]

I'm no expert...but I've heard that ultrasounds are not conclusive about multiples.

[BirthFree]

I've been measuring ahead from the start and this is my third pg - not typical for me nor have I had full bowels, etc. when measuring. I did an u/s to rule out twins just yesterday to set my mind at ease - baby is measuring a bit ahead themselves (but I was charting and know for absolute certainty my dates) so I am going to chalk it up to just a big growing baby. :D

U/s (if you are looking for two esp.) would be hard to miss two... they knew right away in a minute of looking at me. My u/s was a total of 5 min. (I didn't want one anyways, but the wondering was making me crazy) and that was that.

The others gave you the typical reasons for measuring ahead, but I'll add in... "sometimes just because" because for me, that's it. :)
~Julie

[loudmama]

I won't be surprised if its I just measure big. I'm a big gal. DH is 6'4", his dad is 6'7" & apparently was 26 inches at birth. I come from short people, so while I could have a long baby, I'm not thinking that long. Who knows!? I'm just trying to get more ideas.

I'm no expert...but I've heard that ultrasounds are not conclusive about multiples.

And LeosMama, don't freak me out with that! :lol It has been a running joke/fear for us. One of DH's best friends & a guy he works with are both expecting twins!


L

[Maggi315]

Lots of people measure ahead. Usually means absolutely nothing. I was measuring up to 8 cm. ahead with this last pregnancy and freaking myself out. Baby was 8'3, not big or anything.

With my clients, I just keep an eye on it, if they want an ultrasound or I can feel something that makes me think twins (or hear a heartbeat where I don't expect one, that has happened!) then we do an ultrasound. Otherwise, I really don't worry about it too much.

[orangefoot]

I always measure "ahead" until past 20 weeks, because for one I'm short and there's not a lot of room in there. For another, I've had a few previous pregnancies, and well, that tends to stretch things out a bit.

This is me too. I'm expecting my fourth and the big belly thing is annoying me already and I'm only 15 or so weeks. The hospital midwives palpated me and wrote 14-16 weeks when I was only 12. The baby measured exactly on my dates but dh says my uterus must just know what to do and relax to make a nice comfy hammock-house for the little one!

[loudmama]

Thanks all for the feedback. My Dr didn't seem concerned, really. I'm just prone to anxiety, & trying to find out what it could mean. Part of me realizes its probably nothing, but the anxious part of me worries.

L

[mackenziesmama]

I measured ahead with both my kids. With first one, doctor blamed it on a bogus GD diagnosis and said I'd have a "huge" baby that turned out to be a healthy 7lb 13oz boy. The second one I just measured big the whole time. We figured it was because my dh is 6'7" and 280#. DD was born at 11lbs 1oz.

We noticed that the way I was measured differed each visit. Sometimes dr would take his time to find my pubic bone and measure from there, the next time he'd measure from just anywhere, and he'd be off by six or seven. Also, during second pregnancy, I saw an ob and a hb midwife. OB would get one thing, and midwife would get something WAY different the very same day.

Good luck!