Small Abdominal Measurement in Ultrasound: What Does It Mean?

Question
Hi - i went for a 32 week ultrasound and the baby was perfect in all
measurements and i had good amniotic fluid counts but i was told his abdomen
measured 'slightly smaller'. I have an NST and BPP test schedule and a followup
ultrasound to check growth and i'm obviously very concerned. i have no health
problems and have had an easy pregnancy. Is there a way for this to be normal
or work out ok? or am i right to be so nervous?

Answer
These days, a healthy pregnancy is one that just hasn't been measured enough.  Look hard enough, and somebody can find something wrong.  If all the measurements were within the normal range, and everything else looks good, then relax and know that everything is most likely just fine.  Your doctors have to make sure they cover themselves just in case something is wrong, even if that something is highly unlikely.  Unfortunately, this fear of malpractice is the primary driving factor in obstetrics in America today, and it results in many, many unnecessary tests and procedures, and lots of unnecessary worrying for mothers. Remember that human beings come in all shapes and sizes, and that includes unborn babies.  Just because something is not absolutely identical to the average doesn't make it unhealthy.