I'm 36 weeks today and had an ultrasound in which it was discovered that baby's abdominal circumference (how big his little belly is) is measuring low. The doctor says they don't like it when this measurement falls under the 10th percentile and LO's is in the 7th percentile. This, apparently, is an indicator that the placenta isn't functioning properly.
I'm to go back on Wednesday to measure again and the doctor may decide that it's better for the baby to come out early (although at 37 weeks exactly, so full term) rather than "withering on the vine". I can't believe someone would actually say that...this guy isn't my OB, thank goodness.
Anyone else have this happen or any insight? It's hard not to be a little freaked out...I keep thinking "I'm not nourishing my baby properly?!" and worrying that if he hasn't been getting what he needs this whole time, will he have physical and/or developmental issues?
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@MamaMagpie: so sorry you're going through this! Me and DS just went through this! I gave birth at 40w1d to a healthy baby, 6lbs9oz. At about 36 weeks they told me his belly circumference was in the 15-20%, week 37 5-10%... Then they talked about induction and taking him early. We did the cord study and everything was fine!! We waited because we wanted him to stay in as long as possible and were hoping to go natural! We were scared, I cried as I had your same thoughts but I talked to the dr at my practice who we liked (one of them had zero tact and tried to pressure us outbid pure fear). Eat healthy you are doing a GREAT job for your baby!! Ask questions, make sure you and DH are comfortable.
My husband and I were both small babies and we are both below the national averages for weight etc.
Good luck, continue to eat healthy and stay positive!!!:)
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@SouthPaw: thank you for sharing your similar experience! Yesterday was with the doctor at the ultrasound lab, not my regular OB, so I'm definitely feeling like I have questions I want to ask my own doctor. Starting with, thanks to you, if a cord study can be done -- I don't even know what that is (yet, I will be Googling lol ) so thank you for telling me about it! This doctor had me thinking there would be no option and that the measurement in the ultrasound was final word...
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I had placental issues, my LO was measuring at 3% by 38 weeks, so I was induced. If you click on my name you can probably see some of the posts I made at the time. My LO left the hospital at 4 lbs 11 oz. we didn't have to stay any extra time other than the standard stay, and I never had to supplement. She's almost 10 months now, and no delays! I had a placenta that matured faster than it should have and was basically calcifying inside me. In addition, after I delivered they sent my placenta to the lab and found infarctions on it which also could have been causing the issues. Once out of he womb, my LO quickly grew. She's 22 percentile for weight and 66th for height. My husband and I are very thin, so 22nd percentile seems about right for her. I don't think she had any long term growth delays attributed to my placenta issues.
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I can't believe the doctor used those words! Glad that's not your regular OB. I hope you get some reassuring news soon. Although it was for a different reason, I was induced at 36 weeks and M did not have to go to the NICU and came home with us on time. Good luck and keep us posted!
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@LemonLong: thank you so much, I'm definitely going to go find those threads. It's really reassuring to hear your DD was totally fine and I'm so glad she is!
@MrsF: so good to hear you were a little early but still didn't have to go to the nicu or delay going home. And I will keep you posted!
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