[elyag]

So I'm not exactly sure what to think about this right now. According to my dates I'm 38 weeks. My EDD is May 20th. I know they are right because I started my LMP on my daughter's birthday. Can't forget something like that.<br><br>
Anyways, my 20 week scan (which I know isn't all that reliable at that stage) showed my "due date" as May 30th. My midwife said that would we would go by that date if I started going "over" my EDD.<br><br>
I've been measuring behind my whole pregnancy. And they have slowed down a bit the past few appointments so we've been watching them. Last week at my appt I was 31cm at 37 weeks and today I was 33cm at 38 weeks.<br><br>
After palpating my belly, my midwife is guessing my baby is only about 4 lbs. <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/greensad.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="greensad"> My DD was small (she was 6 lbs 14 oz when born at 41w 4days) as well so I'm not surprised this one is small too but THAT small? <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/mecry.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="crying"><br><br>
My midwife seems to think my dates are off so just to be safe, she's having me go to get an ultrasound this week. She's worried that if I really am 38 weeks and I go into labor, homebirth is out of the question. I'm so devastated right now! I'm not even sure what to think. I know that ultrasounds can be off too so what am I supposed to go by?!<br><br>
My midwife also wants me to basically force feed myself as much nutrient dense foods as possible. I was just so shocked when she told me she thought the baby was that small. <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/greensad.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="greensad">

 

[Kontessa]

I am so so sorry. I wish I had advice. I know how horrible it was to face the idea I might lose my homebirth, that my midwife might drop my care. You should not have to be going through this so late in pregnancy. Please be kind to yourself!

 

[elyag]

Thanks for your kind words. I'm sad that I might lose my homebirth but the more I think about it, the more I'm worried that my midwife thinks there is something wrong. She knows that ultrasounds can be inaccurate this late when it comes to both weight and "due dates" but she also wants to get a biophysical profile. This could only mean that she thinks that there might be something wrong... right? It's not like I don't eat and I eat healthy so why wouldn't the baby be a little bigger? Genetically, both my husband and I were small babies and my DD was born small so I'm not concerned that the baby is small.... it's just that she's THAT small.<br><br>
Yesterday, my heart and instincts told me everything was okay but my brain kept getting in the way thinking about these things. Now I have headache and I just can't stop being worried. <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/greensad.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="greensad"><br><br>
ETA: The one thing that keeps me going is the fact that the baby is VERY active and her heartbeat has been okay at every appointment. To me, those are two good signs that everything is okay. I hope so.

 

[Starfish11]

I seriously can't stand it when our heads get filled with "information" and overpowers our hearts and intuition <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/hug.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="hug"><br><br>
Let us know what the u/s shows. I am filled with hope that you get your home birth, mama.

 

[SaraMum]

I had a BPP ultrasound when they were checking for position (breech at the time) and although I tend to meaasure small, u/s estimated baby's weight over 7lbs (at 35weeks).<br>
Keep thinking positively and hopefully baby is just tricking the midwife and everything is OK for your homebirth

 

[thefreckledmama]

I was full term, and 4lbs. 13oz. I was perfectly healthy, just tiny.<br><br>
I know it's always easier for someone else to say, buy try not to worry. You know you grow smaller babies (I do too-my girls were 6-3, 6-13, and 6-14), and this babe could have 2-3 weeks or more left to bake, and that will make a huge difference in the actual birth weight.

 

[elyag]

Thanks everyone! I'm really trying to keep my head up about things. I pulled out my DD prenatal birth records and I also slowed down on my measurements with her starting at the same time and she was born 6lbs 14oz. I know they say that every pregnancy is different but I have feeling it's the same kind of pattern. It's way too similar of a pattern not to compare them. So I'm staying positive about it.<br><br>
Thanks again - it really does help to hear all the positive support.

 

[sweet_tart_vt]

Hugs for you Mama! I have been in the same boat throughout my pregnancy. It sounds like in your heart and mind your know your LO is ok; you've gone back and looked at records, you know your body, and you know the way you grow babies. Stay strong in your beliefs that you, your body and your babe know exactly what to do to continue this pregnancy healthy, strong and to come earthside safe and happy.<br><br>
Ive been measuring very small for dates since my hcp's started doing fundal height mesaurements. At my last week appt I was 38wks and measuring only 31. I have gone through 3 BPP/AFI us/'s and 3 NSTs. The u/s's have said my baby girl is anywhere from 4-5.2lbs depending on when they were done. My fluid levels have been anywhere from a 5.2, 7's to a 12. Ive gained a total of 11lbs this pregnancy, ea t very healthy, exercise regularly, no health problems, no urine or bp issues. Im normally 115lbs pre-preg and a size 4 with a very small frame, but average hips. I have always measured small with all my babes, never gained more than 23 lbs (he was my 42weeker that was 8lbs 14oz) and my babes have been in the 7lb range with one being 6lbs even. I tend to grow skinny and long babes, that are built like me. Ive never had a preterm birth, and theyve all been healthy, just on the slim side.<br><br>
Im sure your mw just wants to "err on the side of caution". This is totally in your court mama. Would you be opposed to having a BPP or NST just to calm the midwife's mind so you can keep your homebirth. If I was having a MW present t my birth I think I could deal with one round of testing just to let her see that all is well so I could keep my birth plans. Some babies are just born petitie, and there's nothing wrong with that. Mamas tend to grow babies that fit their bodies and they are able to birth without difficulty. Tiny doesnt necessarily mean unhealthy.<br>
I think your mind and heart are in the right place. I think you are doing great growing your LO and things will be perfectly fine for you. I do understand you wanting to have your homebirth and being a bit at the mery of your MW. Again, I wouldnt worry about having the testing done just to let the MW see that things are truly ok, and see where things go from there. Wishing you the very best. I know how frustrating and anxiety provoking this can be. *Big Hugs* and please keep us posted. Will be thinking of you!<img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/love.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="love">

 

[elyag]

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<div>Originally Posted by <strong>sweet_tart_vt</strong> <a href="/community/forum/post/15387915"><img alt="View Post" class="inlineimg" src="/community/img/forum/go_quote.gif" style="border:0px solid;"></a></div>
<div style="font-style:italic;">Hugs for you Mama! I have been in the same boat throughout my pregnancy. It sounds like in your heart and mind your know your LO is ok; you've gone back and looked at records, you know your body, and you know the way you grow babies. Stay strong in your beliefs that you, your body and your babe know exactly what to do to continue this pregnancy healthy, strong and to come earthside safe and happy.<br><br>
Ive been measuring very small for dates since my hcp's started doing fundal height mesaurements. At my last week appt I was 38wks and measuring only 31. I have gone through 3 BPP/AFI us/'s and 3 NSTs. The u/s's have said my baby girl is anywhere from 4-5.2lbs depending on when they were done. My fluid levels have been anywhere from a 5.2, 7's to a 12. Ive gained a total of 11lbs this pregnancy, ea t very healthy, exercise regularly, no health problems, no urine or bp issues. Im normally 115lbs pre-preg and a size 4 with a very small frame, but average hips. I have always measured small with all my babes, never gained more than 23 lbs (he was my 42weeker that was 8lbs 14oz) and my babes have been in the 7lb range with one being 6lbs even. I tend to grow skinny and long babes, that are built like me. Ive never had a preterm birth, and theyve all been healthy, just on the slim side.<br><br>
Im sure your mw just wants to "err on the side of caution". This is totally in your court mama. Would you be opposed to having a BPP or NST just to calm the midwife's mind so you can keep your homebirth. If I was having a MW present t my birth I think I could deal with one round of testing just to let her see that all is well so I could keep my birth plans. Some babies are just born petitie, and there's nothing wrong with that. Mamas tend to grow babies that fit their bodies and they are able to birth without difficulty. Tiny doesnt necessarily mean unhealthy.<br>
I think your mind and heart are in the right place. I think you are doing great growing your LO and things will be perfectly fine for you. I do understand you wanting to have your homebirth and being a bit at the mery of your MW. Again, I wouldnt worry about having the testing done just to let the MW see that things are truly ok, and see where things go from there. Wishing you the very best. I know how frustrating and anxiety provoking this can be. *Big Hugs* and please keep us posted. Will be thinking of you!<img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/love.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="love"></div>
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Thanks!! I'm definitely planning on getting the scan - it will also help calm my own mind down at least and meet where my heart is at right now. <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/shy.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="innocent"> I have no problem doing that. I just hope my LO does decide to stay in for at least a couple of more weeks. It's kinda funny though. I'm not in such a rush to get the house completely ready anymore hoping that will keep her in longer. <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/lol.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="lol"> And wow! You have gone through alot with your pregnancy! I wish you well also!

 

[sweet_tart_vt]

Thanks Mama<img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/love.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="love"><br>
It's actually been a very easy pregnancy for me physically, it is just the "scare tactics" that I've had to deal with that finally threw me for a loop emotionally. I don't regret having the tests I went thru, like you are saying in your case: it helped me to see that my babygirl was fine, it got my head and heart lined up in the right place. It gave me the strentgh to refuse anymore testing and to let go of the fears and continue forward with our UC plans. I hear you about wanting to keep babe in there a little longer. I go from one side to the other: I want her here NOW, but the longer she stays put, the more ready she will be. (Even if she's a peanut, which Im thinking, but more like an upper 5's or a 6, no way a 4 like the u/s has said)<br><br>
I hope you have glowing test results that put your heart at ease, and even more so convince your MW that all is well. Hope you had a great Mother's Day!

 

[MI_Dawn]

I just happened to see this post and felt compelled to jump in here... I had a small-for-dates baby that the MW missed... she didn't talk to me about kick-counts either, and when my baby slowed down and I mentioned it, she said, "They slow down at the end, that's normal..." But it wasn't normal. And he wasn't okay. And I was planning a homebirth and worried about risking out, etc. But if I'd listened to my instincts and paid attention to that instead of her reassurance, he might still be alive - because he was stillborn on April 1, 2009, and I was 39 weeks.<br><br>
I don't say that to freak you out - what happened to me actually happens to a small percentage of women. But it <i>does</i> happen. And a small-for-dates baby, esp one that is slowing down in growth, is a red flag. My son measured 33 weeks at 39 weeks on U/S... but that u/s wasn't done until we went to the hospital because we couldn't find his heartbeat. <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/greensad.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="greensad"><br><br>
I just wanted to tell you about <a href="http://www.babykick.com/Resources_KickCountFAQs.html" target="_blank">kick counts</a>, in case someone hadn't mentioned it and encourage you to pay close attention to how much your baby is moving. A smaller baby has more room in there and might actually even be more active than a larger baby (who just has room to wiggle at this stage...) I can tell you from experience, it really IS better safe than sorry! <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="/img/vbsmilies/smilies/stillheart.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="Stillheart"><br><br>
I'm glad you're going in for the U/S and that your MW noticed your baby's size and is paying close attention. Your baby may just be genetically small, and perfectly fine. But if your baby starts slowing down, it would be another red flag. Kick counts can help prevent unexpected fetal loss in 33% of cases, so it really is statistically significant.<br><br>
All the best to you and your LO... and honestly, I'm not trying to scare you... I just know the pain of losing something so precious, and I never ever want to see another mother have to go through it, esp if it can be prevented. <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="/img/vbsmilies/smilies/stillheart.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="Stillheart">

 

[elyag]

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<div>Originally Posted by <strong>MI_Dawn</strong> <a href="/community/forum/post/15390281"><img alt="View Post" class="inlineimg" src="/community/img/forum/go_quote.gif" style="border:0px solid;"></a></div>
<div style="font-style:italic;">I just happened to see this post and felt compelled to jump in here... I had a small-for-dates baby that the MW missed... she didn't talk to me about kick-counts either, and when my baby slowed down and I mentioned it, she said, "They slow down at the end, that's normal..." But it wasn't normal. And he wasn't okay. And I was planning a homebirth and worried about risking out, etc. But if I'd listened to my instincts and paid attention to that instead of her reassurance, he might still be alive - because he was stillborn on April 1, 2009, and I was 39 weeks.<br><br>
I don't say that to freak you out - what happened to me actually happens to a small percentage of women. But it <i>does</i> happen. And a small-for-dates baby, esp one that is slowing down in growth, is a red flag. My son measured 33 weeks at 39 weeks on U/S... but that u/s wasn't done until we went to the hospital because we couldn't find his heartbeat. <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/greensad.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="greensad"><br><br>
I just wanted to tell you about <a href="http://www.babykick.com/Resources_KickCountFAQs.html" target="_blank">kick counts</a>, in case someone hadn't mentioned it and encourage you to pay close attention to how much your baby is moving. A smaller baby has more room in there and might actually even be more active than a larger baby (who just has room to wiggle at this stage...) I can tell you from experience, it really IS better safe than sorry! <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="/img/vbsmilies/smilies/stillheart.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="Stillheart"><br><br>
I'm glad you're going in for the U/S and that your MW noticed your baby's size and is paying close attention. Your baby may just be genetically small, and perfectly fine. But if your baby starts slowing down, it would be another red flag. Kick counts can help prevent unexpected fetal loss in 33% of cases, so it really is statistically significant.<br><br>
All the best to you and your LO... and honestly, I'm not trying to scare you... I just know the pain of losing something so precious, and I never ever want to see another mother have to go through it, esp if it can be prevented. <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="/img/vbsmilies/smilies/stillheart.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="Stillheart"></div>
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<br>
I do appreciate the concern! And do believe it is best to be on the safe side for sure! I have been doing kick counts.... I really don't need to actually though because she moves ALL the time.... but I still do them. <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/smile.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="smile"> I don't even remember my DD moving this much. This one moves so much that when she does have her 'down times', I always drink some juice or something because it sometimes freaks me out. But then she immediately starts moving again and all is well. Then I feel bad because I think she was probably just resting and I probably got her all worked up again. <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/lol.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="lol"><br><br>
I have an ultrasound scheduled for tomorrow evening. I feel pretty sure I'll get some reassurance from it though - just a feeling I'm getting but I want to do one just in case because one never knows.

 

[Gemini529]

Just wanted to post and show my support for you!<br><br>
I know you said you are sure of your LMP, but is it possible that maybe you ovulated late in the cycle so you are a little further behind than you thought? Did it take you awhile to get your BFP? That could be an indication that you ovulated later.<br><br>
That, coupled with the fact that you know you have small babies anyway could change things. You mentioned this baby was already measuring small at the 20 week ultrasound, so this isn't something that suddenly happened...she has been smaller all along. There are a lot of variables that come into play here.<br><br>
Every week she stays in there is more time for her to grow so try not to stress too much. I think your midwife is doing the right thing by staying on top of it. My sister in law just had a baby and she was just over 5 lbs. She is perfectly healthy and getting chubbier every day!<br><br>
Also, my doc told me that when the baby "drops" it can throw off meaurements a little bit and make the baby seem smaller because the head is so far down in your pelvis.<br><br>
And go ahead and stuff yourself with nutrient rich foods...it couldn't hurt, right? We should all probably be making sure we do that!<br><br>
Good luck, go with what your gut says but also know that some things are beyond your control and in the end, you will do what's best for the baby.

 

[elyag]

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<div>Originally Posted by <strong>Gemini529</strong> <a href="/community/forum/post/15390601"><img alt="View Post" class="inlineimg" src="/community/img/forum/go_quote.gif" style="border:0px solid;"></a></div>
<div style="font-style:italic;">Just wanted to post and show my support for you!<br><br>
I know you said you are sure of your LMP, but is it possible that maybe you ovulated late in the cycle so you are a little further behind than you thought? Did it take you awhile to get your BFP? That could be an indication that you ovulated later.<br><br>
That, coupled with the fact that you know you have small babies anyway could change things. You mentioned this baby was already measuring small at the 20 week ultrasound, so this isn't something that suddenly happened...she has been smaller all along. There are a lot of variables that come into play here.<br><br>
Every week she stays in there is more time for her to grow so try not to stress too much. I think your midwife is doing the right thing by staying on top of it. My sister in law just had a baby and she was just over 5 lbs. She is perfectly healthy and getting chubbier every day!<br><br>
Also, my doc told me that when the baby "drops" it can throw off meaurements a little bit and make the baby seem smaller because the head is so far down in your pelvis.<br><br>
And go ahead and stuff yourself with nutrient rich foods...it couldn't hurt, right? We should all probably be making sure we do that!<br><br>
Good luck, go with what your gut says but also know that some things are beyond your control and in the end, you will do what's best for the baby.</div>
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It is so funny that you mentioned that about getting my BFP. I took my first test two days after I was supposed to get my period and it was negative. I waited a week, still no period. So I took another test and it was positive. I was just talking to my DH about this yesterday which would put my EDD right along the lines with my 20 weeks scan... May 30th.<br><br>
My midwife told me that she would LOVE to put me at 37 weeks rather than at 38 weeks. She said she would feel more comfortable about everything if she were able to do that. She told me she would be okay with delivering a baby that was 5+lbs at home.. but not 4 pounds.<br><br>
I did talk to my midwife about the dropping in measurements b/c of the baby dropping. I can tell she's down low. Even a couple of people have told me that they could tell by the way I was carrying b/c I used to carry her pretty high and now my belly is hanging pretty low. The same thing happened with my DD. They sent me for a scan to check fluid levels just in case then as well - everything was fine.<br><br>
I just had to giggle when you mentioned getting my BFP later though because I did.

 

[sweet_tart_vt]

Just wanted to let you know I am thinking of you today Mama <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/smile.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="smile"> Keep strong in your mind and heart. <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/love.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="love">

 

[Gemini529]

I definitely think it's possible that your due date is off. That is what I've been thinking about mine the whole time. It took me like a week to get a positive on the PG test and I know my cycle is usually a bit longer than the norm. Let us know how everything works out!!!

 

[elyag]

Wow - you guys are so awesome! Thanks for all the support! Funny to say, but after all this it's really made me feel relaxed about my pregnancy at this stage. Receiving all this support from you guys has really helped me to embrace the situation.<br><br>
Now I'm so relaxed about it all that I really feel like she isn't going to be here as soon as I thought. Before I was like I need to get this done, the house needs to be clean, blah, blah blah.... now I'm just like.. whatever... <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/lol.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="lol"> It's helped to bring the Zen back in my life.<br><br>
I'll will post tomorrow evening after my ultrasound but I have a deep feeling that everything is okay. Thanks again for everything and to help me sort this all out. It has helped tremendously!

 

[elyag]

<img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="/img/vbsmilies/smilies/joy.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="joy"><img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="/img/vbsmilies/smilies/joy.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="joy"><img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="/img/vbsmilies/smilies/joy.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="joy"><img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="/img/vbsmilies/smilies/joy.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="joy"><img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="/img/vbsmilies/smilies/joy.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="joy"><img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="/img/vbsmilies/smilies/joy.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="joy"><img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="/img/vbsmilies/smilies/joy.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="joy"><img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="/img/vbsmilies/smilies/joy.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="joy"><img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="/img/vbsmilies/smilies/joy.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="joy"><img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="/img/vbsmilies/smilies/joy.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="joy"><img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="/img/vbsmilies/smilies/joy.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="joy"><img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="/img/vbsmilies/smilies/joy.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="joy">:j oy<img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="/img/vbsmilies/smilies/joy.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="joy"><img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="/img/vbsmilies/smilies/joy.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="joy"><br><br>
BABY IS PERFECT!!! The tech said she weighed between 4.5-5 lbs. The report shows approx. 4.9 lbs. Development for all organs, fluid levels, etc is perfect! My midwife said she was would be fine with just going by a due date of the 20-week scan of May 30. She said she has lots of hair!! YAY!!!! She said if she was born about the same time as my DD, she would weigh about 6.5 lbs.<br><br>
Now my heart is telling me "Why don't you ever just listen to me!!" <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/lol.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="lol">

 

[HankyPanky]

That's great! So glad to hear she's healthy and growing perfectly!

 

[MCatLvrMom2A&X]

Great update <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="/img/vbsmilies/smilies/joy.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="joy"><br><br>
I wanted to mention though that if you just know your LMP and not your O date then it is very possible that you O'ed and LMP dating would be off since you could have oed a week later than what you thought. Which sounds like may be the case here though u/s can be off by as much as 2 weeks in some cases on dating a pg.