Measuring small?

I have it in my head that measuring a belly with a tape measure is no ideal way to see how a baby is going... common sense, right?

Anyway I've been sort of measuring 1 week smaller or whatever which is no big deal and my doc said he'd just start to get concerned if I was 3 weeks smaller. I'm on shared care with a GP and MW - and last time I saw the Doc I was 1.5 cm behind> Saw the MW yesterday and now I'm 2.5 cm behind.

Basically, when I see my doc on Monday I'll be 39 + 1 and likely measuring closer to 36 weeks.


Is this a worry? I know babies' growth slows down at the end. But could it mean something else like the placenta not working well or anything? Should I be prepared for the whole "induction" conversation which I have been soooo wanting to avoid?


What are your thoughts?

You won't get the induction talk just yet. If they're worried, then they'll send you for an ultrasound to check on bubs growth and placenta.

Hi Rahjah
Not only does your baby's growth slow down a little but the amount of amniotic fluid also decreases. I don't think that there is anything to worry about.

Hi Rahjah,
I measured small for dates with my bub. From 30 weeks onwards I was always 3 weeks behind. My wonderful OB that kept a very close eye on me from then on. I did carry small ealier as well, but im thin and first bub so he wasn't too concerned until 30 weeks. We had some extra growth scans done and 2 weekly CTG's at the hospital and a weekly appointment with my OB to make sure everything was going well. I felt fine and was feeling heaps of kicks and movement. At 37 weeks he decided that an induction was necessary bc bub still wasn't taking in the fats deposits she needed. I had a very quick and simple labour, all done in 3 hours and gave birth to a healthy but little baby girl weighing 4lb 11oz. We spent 9 days in hosi but everything was great. She is now 5 months old, i fed her for 4 months and has just started having some rice cereal in the mornings and loves it. She is energenic through the day, with 3 naps and sleeps from 8pm till 7am in the morning. Don't get me wrong we have our tough days, but in all she's perfect to me.
I wouldn't worry about a thing, stay positive, keep healthy and active and im sure everything will be wonderful. I would love to feel all those special little kicks and turns in my tummy again, treasure them whilst u still have them.
Best of luck.

Kirsty xo

Thanks all.

(And thanks Alan, I was hoping you'd reply :) )

bah!!! :lol:

my last two I was constantly asked if i was eating...did I smoke etc because they measured small. And in the last 3-4 weeks I had scans to check growth. I was never worried, and there were small increases in growth just not the 'average'.

How big was your DS at birth??

I had the same thing- fundal height 4 cm's behind my weeks. I went for an u/s and bubs was measuring small, and amniotic fluid on the lower end of normal. 5 days later, I went into labour and bubs was tiny, but fine (my ds was tiny too). Don't stress :D

My DS was 6pound 9oz :rolleyes:

well there you go ;) mine were 6lb7oz, 6lb3.5oz and 6lb11oz :)