Measuring big in 3rd trimester?

Hiya,

First I just want to say thanks again to everybody for answering all my previous questions -- I've gotten such great advice here, it's been really helpful!

Here is my latest. I'm 30 weeks now, went to the midwife today. She said I'm measuring more like 33-34 weeks and the likeliest causes were: 1) giant baby (would not surprise as both my husband and I were big babies); 2) excess amniotic fluid, which can indicate a number of different things, some not too serious, some very serious. It could be gestational diabetes, or even fetal abnormality (although my 20 week scan was totally fine). Or, they might never know the cause, but it could nevertheless cause some serious problems in labour.

So I am going for a bunch of tests and will have a scan, she gave me an urgent referral though it may still take a week or something.

She said it's not totally uncommon and not to worry yet. I'm not really worried right now, I know it's important not to stress and until I have the scan there's no reason to think anything is wrong.

But I was just wondering, has anything like this happened to any of you ladies? I don't know much about all these issues and it would be helpful to hear of any experiences, if anyone doesn't mind sharing...

cheers
j

Congratulations on 30 weeks!  Such a big milestone. 

I can't give any advice as I've not been there before, but I'm curious if they are going to ask you to do the gestational diabetes test? 

I'm really hoping it's either that or just a big baby. 

Congratulations, you're nearly there!  Im the same as geeta and haven't been there yet  but my best friend had a 10lb baby girl for no other reason than that it was a big baby. I wouldn't stress about it too much. 

I would just relax and take all the tests and appointments they are going to give you! Ask for growth scans every four weeks, hopefully that should give you some peace of mind!! Good luck!

Thanks ladies! It does feel really good to get to 30... the end is in sight! Just hoping these last weeks aren't too dramatic, I've been pretty lucky so far.

I am doing the GD tests, there's a blood test on Friday (after fasting) and then I've been referred for some 3 hour test as well. I guess I would be surprised if that's what I have, I don't have any other symptoms of it, no history of it, I'm not carrying extra weight anywhere.

I'm even wondering if it's extra fluid because apparently if that happens you don't feel as much fetal movement, and I can feel this little guy kicking me all the time... I can even see my belly rolling up and down when he moves around (which is a lot).

(I actually find that if I press on my belly, sometimes he will gently push back in the same spot... ok probably it's a coincidence but it seems so cute, like he's saying hi  

So yeah, I think you're right, it's just... giant baby! Ow ow ow ow....

Well, we'll see, definitely trying not to worry before I have to. And it is nice to get another scan...

Thanks for the reassurance! 

And also remember that fundal height is at best an estimation.  Often women are told they are going to have giant babies, only for an average 7 lb-er to be born

And also remember that fundal height is at best an estimation.  Often women are told they are going to have giant babies, only for an average 7 lb-er to be born

I agree. And even ultrasounds can be off up to 2 lbs. in either direction, especially later in the pregnancy. Supposed "big babies" shown on ultrasounds lead to a lot of unnecessary inductions and c-sections that end in an average-sized baby.

whoa, that's very interesting! I didn't know that.

Is there anything you can do about it? I mean, let's say I have the tests and they tell me I'm having a big baby and thus make certain treatment decisions that I'm not crazy about. Is there anything I can or should do?

You can always ask for a second opinion, but the most important thing to bear in mind is that you get to make the decisions. They don't get to make them for you (although most of the time, doctors and health professionals, especially relating to pregnancy, make it seem otherwise). Unless you have other risk factors for your doctor to suggest that your baby is macrosomic AND is showing signs of distress or other medical issues, I wouldn't agree to it being treated as anything but a normal pregnancy/birth.

When it comes to a baby's size, studies have shown that ultrasounds are actually no more accurate than palpation (feeling your belly with hands). If they do pull the big baby card on you, you might want to have read this (http://www.aafp.org/afp/2001/0701/p169.html), particularly the summary of recommendations at the bottom before you make any choices based on what guesses they've made for you.

I agree - they can't make you do anything, they can give you the information and make recommendations but in the end, it's your decision. 

I was told my son would be big, around 9 lbs. Then the scan at 41 weeks they said at least 8lbs 4oz. He was induced 14 days past my due date and weighed 6lbs 13oz. I would not trust scans!

Congratulations you're on the home stretch!   

Firstly, try to stay calm through it all (I know, easier said than done), but know that they're erring on the side of caution and taking it seriously as well as assessing all possibilities instead of letting it progress into something that everyone would regret in hindsight.  No matter how tedious the excess time at hospital and tests are they are taking it seriously and want what's best for you and baby regardless of how tactless they can sometimes come across.

Honestly, I agree with the others: if you're sceptical get a second opinion and if you don't agree with any treatment they offer don't go for it unless you really feel it necessary.

I can't comment on the accuracy of ultrasounds too much, but when I had DD 2 years ago I was getting growth scans biweekly from 29 weeks, so that's possibly how her weight was more accurate, but she came out more or less on par with their estimate for her.  This one's Fundal height's measuring well over the highest (averages) centile, but I don't stake that to mean it's going to be a behemoth, although I am bigger this time around than I was when I was 2 weeks overdue with DD!   

Good luck with the tests and hope it all works out well for you!

Thanks ladies!! All your comments here really do make me feel better  and it's interesting hearing your experiences. (And Broken, thanks for the link! I'm going to check that out now...)

I'm really glad to know that the scans aren't perfect predictors of weight, I will definitely keep that in mind.

I normally don't have a problem being assertive about medical stuff but I feel so out of my depth with pregnancy issues. It seems like a lot of the time there's no "right" answer, it's all best guesses and gambles -- and luck. But you're right, I shouldn't let myself get pushed into doing anything that doesn't feel right or necessary. Thanks for the pep talk!

(Meanwhile I'm fasting for the glucose test tomorrow -- was never that bothered to fast before but fasting when I'm this pregnant? Ay yi yi!! I'm already dreaming of the three breakfasts I'm going to eat once I'm done 

I am so frightened of that glucose test!  I had a slightly elevated blood glucose before I got pregnant, and now I'm freaked out that it will be elevated for this one.  I think I better start doing some exercise. 

I am so frightened of that glucose test!  I had a slightly elevated blood glucose before I got pregnant, and now I'm freaked out that it will be elevated for this one.  I think I better start doing some exercise. 

I know, I'm afraid my levels will be terrible! I've been throwing up lots the last couple weeks and the only thing that settles my stomach is carbs and sweet things so I'm probably screwed 

I was able to get a scan today so just thought I would post an update. Good news, I don't have excess fluid (phew! that's what I was really worried about). But, the scan measurements do show a giant baby -- 97th percentile across the board and they estimate he already weighs 5 pounds at 31 weeks (yikes!)

So I am really glad all of you warned me that these measurements can be inaccurate, otherwise I would probably be a little freaked right now! As it is, I'm just going to wait and see. I have another growth scan in two weeks.

They said it might be because of diabetes -- need to wait for test results -- or sometimes babies are just big. Anyway, overall I am quite relieved and will see what happens in two weeks.

(The funny thing is that when they said how big the baby is, my husband got this big smile on his face and looked SO proud... easy for him to forget this baby still needs to come out someday!