measuring small

[lovin3]

So, I had my 32 week appointment on Friday and found out that my uterus is only measuring 28 cm, the same as it did two weeks ago. That puts me 4 cm small and they want the measurement within 2 cm of your week. My OB is sending me for an ultrasound so that they can measure the size of the baby and make sure everything looks good. My 20 week ultrasound was fine and the baby even measured about 10 days big at that point. Basically, my OB said that either it could just be the position of the baby and the ultrasound will come back fine, or if the results show cause for concern, I could end up on bedrest. Just wondering if anyone else has gone through this and how things turned out for them. I usually measure at or bigger than my week and my first two pregnancies had no complications, so I'm not sure what is in store...

[lena241]

I am just wondering if this is your 1st pregnancy? The same thing happened to me when I was pregnant with my 1st child (She is now 4). They said that it was
"Cord Growth Retardation", which basically meant that my umbilical cord stopped feeding her, or at least was not feeding her enough. I had dopplers and ultrasounds and weight checks. In the end, the decided to enduce my labor 3 weeks early.
She was born at 5lbs 3oz and 18in. She was considered a premie, but didnt spend any time in the NICU. She was with me the entire time. It ended up not being the case, and the cord was indeed fine, she was just a small baby.

I should mention that I am 5'2" and her father is 6ft.

The 1st year, they did all kinds of blood tests and stuff to try to "figure it out". I finally decided that no more tests would be done and made them stop.
She is now 4 years old and still small. She is 3 feet tall, and weighs 26lbs. She falls in the 3rd percentile on the growth chart (Well below the average)
She is smart as can be, starting school this year, and doesnt have any other lasting medical conditions.

Hope this makes you feel a little better. Keep us updated!

[lovin3]

This is my third pregnancy. My first was 8#14oz at 5 days late and grew off the charts and my second was 7#4oz and 3 days early and is of average size. All of the early growth and measurements during this pregnancy were normal and I haven't had any complications, so I'm not sure what to think. It sounds like the most likely cause would be something with the placenta or cord and the baby isn't getting enought nutrition. It is nice to hear a story about it just being a small baby. I'm not looking forward to the possibility of bedrest or even having to induce early if there is cause for concern.

Lena241- when in your pregnancy did they first notice the small size and start the extra ultrasounds and measuring?

[eniese]

I had the same thing happen with my first pregnancy. At one appointment I was measuring small and the doctor absolutely terrified me with all the possible complications that could be the cause. At the next appointment I was back to a normal measurement. The baby (and I) had a bit of a growth spurt in between. It's easier said than done, but try to wait until the ultrasound to go through all the "what if" scenarios because the extra stress definitely won't help.

[lovin3]

Thanks for the thoughts. I'm pretty sure that everything will be okay. I'm not too worried either way because of my faith. It is just hard waiting. My ultrasound isn't until Friday, so I won't even get the results until next week. I'm sure that if they were overly concerned, I would have gotten my ultrasound right away. Eniese, could I ask how small you were measuring? I am wondering how common it is to measure 4 cm small, especially with normal measurements through the beginning of the pregnancy. I'm kind of happy that the ultrasound did get delayed, though. We have the Coast Guard Festival in town this week and I'd hate to miss all of the festivities with my two boys. :)

[lovin3]

Good news so far. At the ultrasound today, the baby was measuring 4#15oz and was estimated to be eight days bigger than his due date at 33 weeks. We won't get the official results before Monday from my OB, but I took the size measurements to be a good thing!

[lena241]

They really started paying attention to my measurements in my 6-7th month. That is when I had to start going in weekly for measurements, non stress tests, weight checks, and dopplers. I probably had 4 ultrasounds from the end of my 7th month until they delivered her a few weeks later. They never mentioned bedrest or inducing until the very last doppler.

I went to have one of my weekly appointments. She wasnt real active that day so they gave me a non stress test and had me drink OJ. I dont know what they seen but they scheduled me for a doppler at the hospital the next day (emergency. Sorry to the patient I bumped). I went thru the doppler (about 1 1/2 hour test) and they called the results to my doctor. The doctor said I could go home. Well I was about 1/2 way home and they called me and told me to go back to the hospital, not to worry but my OB wanted to induce. They wouldnt even let me go home for my bag. I was induced at 4am the next morning and delivered her a little after 4PM that day

[lovin3]

I've gotten the official okay from my OB now. Size is good, even though I'm still measuring 4cm small. My fluid is a little low, but not of concern. I just posted a new topic because my guy decided to turn breech (he was head down at the ultrasound). Now I have all of the fun of looking at another ultrasound and if he doesn't turn on his own, trying version (turning him) or a c-section.

Lena241- thanks for the info. I'm glad to hear that everything worked out with your daughter.