Baby's Measurements

[jade_and_janessas_mommy]

I know I am probably overreacting, but I have been worried all weekend so I am going to see if I can get other opinions on this.  I went for my first ultrasound at what I thought was about 16 weeks on May 6th.  The baby measured 13 weeks and 5 days.  Then, at my second ultrasound on July 1st, when I thought I would be almost 22 weeks (according to the previous ultrasound) the baby measured almost 24 weeks.

I went to the doctor again August 5th for my 28 week appointment.  The fundal height is measuring 26 weeks, and they want me to have another ultrasound on August 26th to "recheck for growth" because of all the differences.  They also said that at the July 1st ultrasound they couldn't get a clear view of the spine.  The midwife told me not to worry too much about it, that she was laying with her spine next to my spine and that was probably the problem, they just need to do another ultrasound to get a better view of the spine and other organs.  And check the growth.  

I know I am overreacting, but I still can't help but worry.  I have been given a due date of October 18th, October 29th, and November 6th.  Could there be something wrong with my baby making her small or something?  Also, the thing with the spine, do you think they could be checking for spina bifida and just didn't want to worry me?  I took the blood test for that earlier in the pregnancy and the results came back good .... but now  I am just worried that something is wrong.  Thanks for letting me unload.  =)

[jade_and_janessas_mommy]

No, I don't know what percentile she is measuring.  They never really tell me much.  At my August 5th appointment, they just gave me the results to tests I had back in May!  I live in Oklahoma and have an "Indian card" so I go to a tribal hospital... I don't know if they do things differently than at other places or not.  I was just worried because everything with the first baby went so well, and this one has just been different.  It worried me because they started giving me the results to all the tests they had done and it was just like "by the way, this was your results for this and that" and so on.  Everything was normal, but it really scared me that they didn't say anything July 1st about the baby's measurements or her spine, but then 5 weeks later they were just like "surprise!"  I am just worried that when I go in next time they will reveal more.....

I know I shouldn't worry and I am really trying to tell myself there is nothing to worry about.  I really wasn't aware that ultrasounds could be off on their measurements and things like that.  Thank you for your input, I really appreciate it!!

[alaysha]

I would go with the first ultrasound since before 13 weeks all babies develop at the same rate. Then after that they grow at their own rate. Also, anytime they are looking at baby measurements they look at the spine since it is one of the measurements they need. Ive had about 6 ultrasounds this pregnancy and every time the measure the spine and there is nothing wrong with her. However, I had an ultrasound about a week and a half ago and my baby was measuring in the 8th percentile and they told me that anything below 10% is considered concerning but that because I have already given birth to a smaller baby before that, that could be the reason she is smaller. Also it could be that I have more than average amniotic fluid and so it is making the baby measure off. Either way they don't seem too horribly concerned, they haven't changed the due date and they scheduled me for another ultrasound next week to make sure she is at least growing. If your doctor has not expressed concern I wouldn't be too concerned. Do you know what percentile your little one is measuring in?

[zazou]

I had different dates every time I had an US done. THe most important thing is that your baby is growing and developing normally and your Doctor would tell you if there was something to be worried about.

The due dates are just an estimate and your baby will come when it is ready. On the day I was induced my daughter measured reasonably smaller and she came out the next day almost 500 g more than they estimated!!!! It is just an estimate and ultrasounds have a reasonable error rate as well.

It's hard not to worry, but you will see everything will be fine :-)

[blueeyedtabbycat]

u/s's are not a perfect. They can in no way be 100%. Your LO is growing and that is what you should remember. Babies will grow at their own rate while in the womb and out. Looks like on average she is measuring about 2 weeks behind and that can be normal.  I am not sure about the spin thing but these u/s's and test can drive us crazy!!  I know I did with my last, they were off by almost 3 lbs when she was born!!!
And as far as your due date goes you should probably go with the first one you were given unless you know when your LMP was and when you ovulated:~) Best of luck and "try" not to worry:~)

[LosingMyMindInGA]

You have to keep in mind taht once you hit the second trimester all babies grow at different rates.  Some babies will be smaller some bigger.  It is NOT at all unusual for measurements to be off by 2 weeks or so either way at any point, especially in the last trimester.  Remember that the later the ultrasound the less accurate the measurements can be.  

[Spiket77]

All of the tests, all of the checking, all of the comparing to "normal" pregnancies...it could make you go mad!
Babies grow at their own rates in and out of the womb. Try not to compare or worry to much about the "normal" and "averages" that are constantly measured. In the end...your baby will come when it is good and ready. I kind of think due dates are B.S. :)

I hope you are feeling well and that you can enjoy your pregnancy.