small for dates

[mgm]

i'm aiming for a VBAC and my ob sent me for an ultrasound to check foetal wellbeing - i'm just over 40 weeks. according to the sonographer the baby is very small, i think 2.8kg (or about 34 weeks) but i was so shocked i can't remember half of what she said. apart from size all appears well, it's all in proportion and very active.

my first child was 3.4kg born at 41+2 and apparently it's unusual to have a much smaller second child, so there's a possibility of placental insufficiency, as well as possible genetic factors (me being a small person - although i think i was a pretty decent-sized baby).

anyone had a smaller second baby or have any reassurance to offer? i'm in a terribly anxious state waiting to hear back from my ob about all this.

[*Efjay*]

Is this the first ultrasound you have had for alittle while? what were the messurements like at your last scan?

I hope all is well & its just a little bub.

[{sarah}]

Don't forget that ultrasound is rarely correct in predicting the size of the baby, so bub may very well be bigger than they're saying.

[csab]

I just wanted to agree with Sarah that U/S's arent always correct at predicting size. I wish you all the very best with your upcoming arrival. Please let us know how everything goes for you. Hugs

[mgm]

Thanks fionajill, sarah_h and csab.

my last scan was at 19 weeks and all was fine measurement-wise.

i know the ultrasound measurements aren't terribly accurate - the sonographer told me the accuracy range but i can't remember what it was - but she seemed to get a very clear head measurement. my ob had given me a size estimate of something like 3.2 - 3.6kg and my uterus has been measuring normally, although i know these things are quite variable.

now i'm wondering, if the baby's so small, what the hell's in my uterus that's making it so huge??!

[butterfly*kisses]

Hi mgm,

In addition to the great advice you have been given by the other girls, I wanted to tell you that although its not the norm for 2nd babies to be smaller....it could just be the combination of genetics coming into play.

My boys (baby 1 & baby 3) take after my side of the family, and were both 9 pounds (just over 4kg), but my daughter is small like my DH's side....and she was only 7 pounds - which was a shock for all of us - imagine actually using OOOO size clothing......I thought it was just for dolls! LOL! My boys were immediately in OOO, and shortly after into OO.

Don't stress!

xx