QuestionHi,
I am 30 weeks pregnant. For the past several weeks, I have been measuring small (by fundal measurement) sometimes 2cm, sometimes 3-4. My OB ordered an ultrasound to check fetal growth and and AFI. This was done last week (at 29w).
My fluid levels were good at 14.4cm. The baby's weight, according to the u/s tech that day was 3lbs. 4oz. and it estimated my due date to be 10 days earlier than what it actually is. So, I left the exam feeling confident things were fine.
Today, at my regular OB appt, the dr. said yes my fluid levels were good but that the baby was measuring in the 10th percentile and that she would like to do another ultrasound in 3 weeks to check growth again.
I asked her what the report said as to the baby's weight and she said that information was not on the report, just that it was at the 10th percentile. I left feeling confused and did a bit of research on the issue and am wondering how they came up with this 10%. First I thought maybe the tech gave me the wrong weight, but the report said that my estimated due date was 10 days earlier than my original due date. So, if the baby weighed significantly less, why would those dates be ahead?
My dr. said they got the 10% based on measurements of the femur, etc. But if those measurements were small, I wouldn't think my due date would be moved up. I'm thinking someone must have their information wrong. I'm not against another ultrasound, but I just don't want to worry about this baby not growing right. I feel otherwise fine and am very healthy. Can you help me with this? Thank you so much for your time.
AnswerDear Melissa,
The information you have shared also seems conflicting to me. Smaller than expected fetal growth tends to push dates back, not up (although dates should really not be altered from the initial ultrasound/LMP dating due to subsequent ultrasound measurements - it simply should indicate growth pattern disturbances). So - this would all make sense if the dates were "pushed back" 10 days in their estimation, but as you've explained it, it seems backwards.
The average fetal weight and measurements for a 29 weeks pregnancy are as follows: Length (crown to heel) - 15.2 inches, Weight - 2.54 pounds. So, if your tech estimated a 3.4 pound baby, that would explain the date discrepancy, but it surely would not explain the 10th percentile. I agree with you - either the tech gave you the wrong weight or the femur measurement is extraordinarily short - causing the 10% marker.
I would suggest that you relax for now. Something does not make sense with this one. Wait till the next one in three weeks and make sure to ask more questions. Now, the tech really is not supposed to be giving out a lot of information, but request that he/she put all possible information on the report to the doctor because the weight reported to you was left off of the report this last time. That way, when you see your doctor, you both will have the same information and can ask about any discrepancies with black and white information.
I hope this has helped you and answered your question. I apologize for the day delay in answering... pressing family matters. I wish you well.
Brenda
