[seafox]

has anyone ever measured small? I was measuring 30 wks last week (at my 30wk appt) but am *still* measuring 30wks this week at 32 weeks. She didn't seem too concerned, since its true the baby can shift and make the measurement seem smaller. She did say I looked small for how far along I am but blamed my abs again

It does explain why I feel kind of small I guess, I'm not even in maternity clothes yet! (haven't bought any and given I only have 7 weeks left I think Ill just try and make do) Two pairs of very low-rise jeans still fit, even without a bella band, so I think Ill be able to get away with needing the band for the last month. Most of my tank tops are super long so they also fit. But I certainly *look* pregnant now, at least, I've definitely 'popped' and there's no mistaking it now!

I am just nervous that its something more serious (low amniotic fluid, there's another growth retardation thing that can happen as well) I did gain weight in the last 2 weeks (I think I am up 16 or 17lbs now) so she said that pointed more to it being a baby-position issue.

if I don't measure okay next time (2 weeks) then they'll schedule an ultrasound. It just seems like a long time to wait for reassurance! I do think the baby is different though, last time she said it was head down and I think it felt that way too, this time its been squirming ALL over the place the last week or two and I swear I think its sideways sometimes or feet down even (kicking my cervix!)

any experience w/ this? I am panicking more probably because of a previous miscarriage. I just don't like to wait for an 'a-ok'!

 

[sunflwrmoonbeam]

At 25 weeks I was measuring 28 weeks. At 29 weeks I was measuring 29 weeks exactly. I'm now 32 weeks and have been trying to measure myself, and I'm pretty consistently getting 33 cm/weeks now. My midwife appt. is next Monday, so we'll see what she says.

 

[stanleymama]

I am measuring small too...4 wks small. I did have low amniotic fluid, though that is normal now. My baby has been measuring 2 wks. behind ( i am seeing a perinatologist). If you are feeling baby move lots, then waiting 2 wks should be fine. But if you are feeling unsure, don't hesitate to call your dr. and try to get the u/s moved up.

 

[ChaoticMum]

I measured behind by at a minimum of 2 weeks with each one of my kids and the first two were 8lb babes. With my 3rd I measured behind all along until the last few weeks and at one point I measured 3wks behind, yet when I went for an u/s they measured the babe at 2 weeks AHEAD via ultrasound = a discrepancy of FIVE weeks! He turned out to be a 10.5lb babe!

So, as long as you grow by your next appt, I'd say its likely that babe is just lying a bit sideways instead.

 

[MangoMommy]

I always measure behind, and with #2 I was between 4-5w behind! I did end up (at the end) having low amniotic fluid but the rest of the pregnancy was fine, he measured fine, my fluid was fine, I just carry small.

I'm 31w+ and I look tiny I think...I get LOTS of comments about my belly being so small (but I am still obviously pregnant.)

 

[tubulidentata2]

I am also measuring behind by a few weeks, but I anticipate going overdue. With my last baby, I measured 38 weeks at 40 weeks, and they induced me near 42 weeks (they didn't tell me the measurement then). She weighed 8.5 pounds at birth.

 

[rivkah]

I wouldn't worry at all, actually. Just like everything else, there is just not "one-sized fits all" uterus height/growth.

I think maybe build has something to do with it? Like you, I tend towards the tight abs/narrow waist. I also have a long trunk for my height, so maybe that has something to do with it.

I always measure small. With number one, I measured 5 weeks behind until the day she was born. Measuring about two-three weeks behind right now. I also look small ( I mean my belly, not my tushy and breasts which are huge

). Midwives I have seen have all noted this and seemed completely unconcerned. Both my previous babies were average sized between 7 and 8 pounds, and were born at 41 and 42 weeks, perfectly healthy.

 

[seafox]

thanks for the reassurance! the doc didn't seem too concerned so I know I should relax but I just thought it was odd. If I had been measuring behind all along I think I'd actually be less worried - I was measuring right on for 28 and 30 wks. So its just the change that is worrying me. Though she didn't start measuring me until late since she figured I'd be small due to my build.

Ill just try not to worry (easier said than done!!)

 

[annekh23]

I wouldn't be satisfied with her explaination, significant dropping of the baby between 30 and 32 weeks is pretty early, even for a first pregnancy. I had this with my first pregnancy, just a couple of weeks later, I measured 32cm at my 32 week appointment and didn't record a measurement above 32cm until the day of delivery, each time I was told it was the baby dropping and it was fine. Turned out it was an IUGR baby, thankfully not a severe one, he was 5lb13oz, but he'd probably originally been heading for at least 8lb if not 9lb, he barely grew at all from 32 weeks and had clear physical signs of IUGR, enlarged fontanelles, disproportion between head circ and abdominal circ, very thin arms and legs. Thankfully I delivered in week 37, induced following PROM, he may not have needed to have been delivered then, but he could quite easily have reached a point where he did need to be delivered (there are tests they can do, related to the blood flow in the cord). Knowing what I know now, if I had the numbers you have, I'd be asking for testing NOW, unless I had other strong indicators that the baby genuinely had dropped, but I don't think if I was a first time mum I'd trust my judgement on that one.

 

[seafox]

Quote:

Originally Posted by annekh23 I wouldn't be satisfied with her explaination, significant dropping of the baby between 30 and 32 weeks is pretty early, even for a first pregnancy. I had this with my first pregnancy, just a couple of weeks later, I measured 32cm at my 32 week appointment and didn't record a measurement above 32cm until the day of delivery, each time I was told it was the baby dropping and it was fine. Turned out it was an IUGR baby, thankfully not a severe one, he was 5lb13oz, but he'd probably originally been heading for at least 8lb if not 9lb, he barely grew at all from 32 weeks and had clear physical signs of IUGR, enlarged fontanelles, disproportion between head circ and abdominal circ, very thin arms and legs. Thankfully I delivered in week 37, induced following PROM, he may not have needed to have been delivered then, but he could quite easily have reached a point where he did need to be delivered (there are tests they can do, related to the blood flow in the cord). Knowing what I know now, if I had the numbers you have, I'd be asking for testing NOW, unless I had other strong indicators that the baby genuinely had dropped, but I don't think if I was a first time mum I'd trust my judgement on that one.

I guess she wasn't saying the baby was dropped, but just transverse rather than head down (so lying across my belly now) which might account for the 2cm loss. What causes IUGR? are there any other symptoms I could look for?

this might be a tough two weeks. I could ask for an appt next week just to check I guess, or I could even try measuring myself when I think the baby is back to be head down. Its just such a weird measurement anyway (tape measure hardly seems super accurate!) that I'd imagine different people might even get different results.

 

[boscopup]

I measured 20cm at 24 weeks because my baby was transverse. The next appt at 28 weeks, I measured 29cm, and baby was diagonal.

I'd be comfortable waiting the 2 weeks, as even if you do have IUGR, it would have likely *just* started and they would be able to do an u/s in 2 weeks if needed and monitor baby's growth and all that, thus catching it in plenty of time.

Now if your OB was saying it was fine to measure 30cm the rest of your pregnancy, then yes, I'd say get a second opinion or demand further testing. That is NOT normal. Even homebirth midwives who are against routine u/s would normally send someone for one if their fundal height stopped growing altogether like that.

It's also entirely possible that your baby is going to have a growth spurt soon and in 2 weeks, you'll be 34 cm. Just like babies outside of the womb, babies inside the womb grow at different rates and do have growth spurts. So the fundus not growing during a 2 week timeframe at this point wouldn't freak me out. But if it still hadn't grown by your next appt, I'd be wanting to do an u/s and check things out to make sure all is good.

 

[because]

I haven't actually been measured by my midwife during this pregnancy. With my first two, though, I always measured "small" by about 2-4 cm and they were both 7.5-7.75 # babies. I don't look "small," though because my short torso makes everything stick way out front. (Definitely not in my regular pants!)

I have tried to measure myself this time for fun and am getting about 28 cm here at 30 weeks. Normal for me, I guess.

The thing with u/s measurements is that they can be inaccurate by 15% or so. I know lots of stories where women were warned of *huge* babies and had 8 pounders.

Please try not to worry at this point. Drink lots of water, eat well, and see what your weight and measurements do next time.

 

[rivkah]

I think the transverse idea is quite correct. My baby turned from transverse to head-down since last appointment. I was measuring 3 weeks behind and now I am measuring exactly "on target."

I really, really wouldn't worry. If you are within 2-3 centimeters and growing, I don't think it is an issue.

 

[musiclady]

Quote:

Originally Posted by seafox has anyone ever measured small? I was measuring 30 wks last week (at my 30wk appt) but am *still* measuring 30wks this week at 32 weeks. She didn't seem too concerned, since its true the baby can shift and make the measurement seem smaller. She did say I looked small for how far along I am but blamed my abs again It does explain why I feel kind of small I guess, I'm not even in maternity clothes yet! (haven't bought any and given I only have 7 weeks left I think Ill just try and make do) Two pairs of very low-rise jeans still fit, even without a bella band, so I think Ill be able to get away with needing the band for the last month. Most of my tank tops are super long so they also fit. But I certainly *look* pregnant now, at least, I've definitely 'popped' and there's no mistaking it now! I am just nervous that its something more serious (low amniotic fluid, there's another growth retardation thing that can happen as well) I did gain weight in the last 2 weeks (I think I am up 16 or 17lbs now) so she said that pointed more to it being a baby-position issue. if I don't measure okay next time (2 weeks) then they'll schedule an ultrasound. It just seems like a long time to wait for reassurance! I do think the baby is different though, last time she said it was head down and I think it felt that way too, this time its been squirming ALL over the place the last week or two and I swear I think its sideways sometimes or feet down even (kicking my cervix!) any experience w/ this? I am panicking more probably because of a previous miscarriage. I just don't like to wait for an 'a-ok'!

If you are nervous, get an US now. I was measuring a little small at 31w appt, so we did an US and now I have a baby.... I'm not trying to panic you- it ended up that I had PreEclampsia and IUGR, so the safest place for us to be was to have the baby and let her grow. It was tough leaving her in the NNICU, but she is doing very well. That's for another update.

I'm not trying to be an alarmist. Most likely, everything is just fine. I really had no idea that I was even sick- stressed, high blood pressure, etc.- and I wouldn't wish the roller coaster ride that I just had on anyone. Best of luck to you and your little one. Try to not stress, relax, take care of yourself and get some rest.

Keep us updated!

 

[musiclady]

Any update?

 

[seafox]

well I can't tell how worried I should be. I tend to over-worry so its hard to judge!

I have another appt not next week but the week after (34wks) and I think Ill wait for that one before getting too nervous. My blood pressure has been fine, she checked urine, so I think its unlikely that I'd be pre-eclampsia given that they did check for that at the visit. Did they not spot your high blood pressure earlier?!

the baby did seem to shift, so if that's her reasoning it may be just that. I do still feel a lot of movement, have been able to exercise still fine (I bike over 100mi a week, so I'd *hope* I'd notice a shift in my health)

so I won't find out for a while. I do wish the baby would move back to head down though, since I do think its why my ribs are more sore! hopefully he/she shifts before the next appt. I will update when I go! or if something happens before then

hopefully everything is fine though!

 

[rivkah]

Quote:

Originally Posted by seafox have been able to exercise still fine (I bike over 100mi a week, so I'd *hope* I'd notice a shift in my health)

Seriously? You are worried that you are small?

You just exercise a lot! If you keep this up, you are going to have to eat constantly to keep up with the breastfeeding calorie drain.

If you are not losing any protein in your urine, you are not swollen, you blood pressure if fine, and you are growing (with from belly picks--you ARE), I really think you should rest easy until your next appointment. If you are still the same size, I am sure your midwife/OB will be appropriately concerned.

 

[seafox]

Quote:

Originally Posted by rivkah Seriously? You are worried that you are small? You just exercise a lot! If you keep this up, you are going to have to eat constantly to keep up with the breastfeeding calorie drain. If you are not losing any protein in your urine, you are not swollen, you blood pressure if fine, and you are growing (with from belly picks--you ARE), I really think you should rest easy until your next appointment. If you are still the same size, I am sure your midwife/OB will be appropriately concerned.

well I bike to work (10mi each way, so 20mi a day, 5 days a week) and then do a long ride on the weekend. So this week was about 130mi total. I was doing some running as well but I think I am stopping that as of last week

the groin was getting a bit sore.

I am weird tho in that even though I exercise a lot (and have for probably five years now at least, I play ice hockey and do all sorts of sports) I never have had to eat that much and I am *not* thin by any stretch. (pre-pregnancy I weighed probably 160 or so, though I am pretty muscular)

If I had been measuring small all along I'd say it was cause I've been exercising, but it was more weird the shift from 30 to 32 wks that worried me.

oh, and I think Ill be not doing as much when I am breastfeeding!! so hopefully won't have to eat a ton. Ill run and bike a bit but w/out going to work each day there's no reason to do a lot of it!

Ill try and relax until my appt next week. I am guessing its the shifting of the baby! I'm just a worrier by nature and the m/c last year certainly didn't help! If I am the same size next week I'll get an ultrasound at that point she said.

 

[annekh23]

Quote:

Originally Posted by seafox If I had been measuring small all along I'd say it was cause I've been exercising, but it was more weird the shift from 30 to 32 wks that worried me.

It's that shift that would worry anyone. I'm unclear as to whether it was definitely recorded that at 30 weeks the baby was lieing vertically in the uterus and at 32 it was lieing horizontally. If that is the case, that is a very clear explaination as to the lack of growth as you would expect a transverse baby to measure less than a up/down baby (regardless of whether it's head up or down). But if you don't have that information for definite, then there is more reason to be cautious.

Unfortunately fundal height measurements are still a fairly inexact science, musiclady's story is a good example of that, iirc, she was only 1cm behind, yet her baby was only 2lb something, which is very small for 32ish weeks (I don't know when her due date was), thankfully things have turned out well for her, she listened to the voice in her head that said check this, even though the numbers would have fallen into the check now zone on even the most conservative protocol.

You might find http://www.gestation.net/index.htm a helpful resource, I certainly found it a useful site to read through, though it is very scientific and really only deals with the topic of when to move to checks beyond fundal height measurements, rather than what happens or should happen when you move to that point.

 

[seafox]

Quote:

Originally Posted by annekh23 It's that shift that would worry anyone. I'm unclear as to whether it was definitely recorded that at 30 weeks the baby was lieing vertically in the uterus and at 32 it was lieing horizontally. If that is the case, that is a very clear explaination as to the lack of growth as you would expect a transverse baby to measure less than a up/down baby (regardless of whether it's head up or down). But if you don't have that information for definite, then there is more reason to be cautious. Unfortunately fundal height measurements are still a fairly inexact science, musiclady's story is a good example of that, iirc, she was only 1cm behind, yet her baby was only 2lb something, which is very small for 32ish weeks (I don't know when her due date was), thankfully things have turned out well for her, she listened to the voice in her head that said check this, even though the numbers would have fallen into the check now zone on even the most conservative protocol. You might find http://www.gestation.net/index.htm a helpful resource, I certainly found it a useful site to read through, though it is very scientific and really only deals with the topic of when to move to checks beyond fundal height measurements, rather than what happens or should happen when you move to that point.

I do think I'd relax more if she was definite that it went from head down to transverse! since that certainly would explain it. It was (so she thought) head down at 30wks, but she was unable to discern its position at 32wks. She 'suspected' it was transverse though, and so do I. My placenta is in front, which I'm wondering if that makes it harder to tell what's where! But my ribs have been much more sore and the baby definitely shifted somehow between 30 and 32, just not sure if it was enough to account for 2cm.

Ill check out the site, thanks! I'm wondering if the baby is *still* transverse at 34wks if its possible that the fundal height still stays short? I'd guess I'd still grow a cm even if its still sideways?