Baby stomaches measuring small.....

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Well I am 28 weeks pregnant, and I had a detailed u/s day before yesterday.  At the u/s the tech. said everything looked perfect.  Today, I went into my OB, and she said that in the tech's notes it said both babies were measuring a little small in the stomachs.  She said this is nothing to be worried about (only 2 weeks small), but I am SO WORRIED!  I am having a detailed u/s in 4 weeks to recheck the size.  I asked what this means if there is something wrong, and she said it just means they'll have to put on more weight after they're born, and that it's not a big deal.  I asked why I need the detailed u/s if everything is OK, and she says she just wants to make sure the placenta is functioning properly, or something like that.  She said that it will be analyzed by the high risk doctor.  Any thought on this?

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Thanks for all your advice/comments!  I really appreciate you taking the time to respond!
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[Yao Sun, MD, PhD]

I'm glad to hear that your twin pregnancy is going well so far.  If the stomach is small but is seen, that is generally not a concern, particularly if no other abnormalities are found.  It is more concerning if the stomach is extremely dilated (enlarged), as this is sometimes associated with an obstruction further along the intestinal tract.

If the stomach is not seen, this can sometimes be normal depending upon the amount of fluid in the stomach.  Most often in this case, the stomach is seen again with further ultrasound scans.  If it is not seen even with further scans, this can sometimes indicated a blockage in the esophagus or feeding tract that connects the mouth and stomach.  This does not sound like it is currently the case in your pregnancy.  As mentioned previously, the planned follow up scan and referral to a Perinatologist will be helpful.

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Thanks for your comments.  All of the growth was normal, except the stomach (which was 2 weeks behind).  My doctor says this could just be genetic, since I am small, but I still wondered if you had heard of cases of just the stomach being small.  My doctor didn't seem to be concerned, but I am very worried still!  My history, is no complications.  I had a very healthy first pregnancy with my daughter, and then started trying for number two and was blessed with twins (these are, as they keep calling them, spontaneous twins).  Anyhow, don't know if that gives you more background that might be able to give you insight.  I have not needed to be on bed rest or anything so far.  Thanks again for your advice, if you can think of anything else to add that might give me more insight that would be great!
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[Yao Sun, MD, PhD]

It sounds like you have twins at 28 weeks that are currently growing a bit slowly.  There are many factors that can affect the rate of growth for a twin gestation, and your Obstetrician is the best person to continue discussing that with you since she knows all of your medical history.

As currently planned, a detailed follow-up scan and referral to a Perinatologist will allow you and your Obstetrician to obtain more information about what might be affecting your babies' growth.