Baby Measuring a Little Small, Carrying Small, Looking Small, Due Tomorrow...

I wouldn't worry at all she should be just fine! Everyone carries different and every pregnancy carries different. my first was consistantly a good 1cm to 2cm too small of a belly and she was a healthy 6 lbs 8 oz. My second was a good 1cm to small the whole time and he was a massive 7 lbs 14 oz. I am 5ft 2in small and they could not believe that I measure only 37cm at 38.5 weeks when I delivered and he was so big. Congrats and I pray all goes well when you deliver!

Good luck with the birth! If your OBGYN says you are fine then DON'T WORRY ABOUT IT! Before I had my second child, my friend *wisely* told me that having one child is a vacation. Yes, life will never be the same and you should spend as much time enjoying little trips, special time and everything else you can think of before #2 arrives. Make this time special for your 1st!!!

My first child (a girl) was small and no problems. She was late but I'm sure size didn't have anything to do with it. When the baby is ready, it will come. My daughter has always been in the 95% for height in mid-size for weight.

I also was a small baby--about 6 lbs--and I'm regular size too.

Go out and enjoy your *vacation* and always look back to those special times. And remember your first child is the reason you became a Mom.

:) M.

C., I know how you feel. I never looked more than 6-7m pregnant (I was nearly 6m preg before anyone at work even noticed, and I started out with a flat stomach). My OB said that because of my long torso my belly kind of spread out instead of having the beach ball shape. My baby was also small but was moving around a lot and seemed healthy. I delivered a perfectly healthy 5 lb 11 oz baby at 37 weeks, only 2 weeks before my due date. My OB never even did the belly measurements, he just went by the ultrasounds, amniotic fluid measurements and baby movement and activity. He said as long as both of us were healthy he didn't worry about belly size since every woman carries differently. So I wouldn't worry at all, even if your baby is small that doesn't mean unhealthy. My daughter is now an average size thriving 14 month old. Her small size was only an issue when I went shopping and it was like pushing around a little celebrity because of all the attention she got being so small and cute :-)

I haven't read the other responses, but I consistently measured 2-3 cm small with both my daughters. My older was born two days after her due date (and we know exactly when implantation happened with both my daughters so the dates were quite accurate) and was just under 8 pounds even though I was measuring almost 3 cm small on my due date.

My second daughter was born 6 days after her due date, I was measuring just under 2 cm small with her and she was nearly 8.5 pounds.

Some women just hide their babies really really well and some babies just hide really well. My midwife was estimating that my first daughter would be right around 7 pounds, but not much more. Then she originally guessed 7.5 pounds for my younger and when I reminded her how off she had been with my first she guessed within 2 oz of my second daughter's weight!

I'm assuming you didn't measure small with your son, but every pregnancy is different even with the same mother so try not to worry. You're not measuring nearly as small as I was and I had two very uncomplicated home births with babies who were larger than average.

Best wishes!
~B.

Okay, I've read all of the other posts and would like to add one thing. Your estimated due date is based on your last period, but not your exact time of impregnation. --maybe you ovulated late that month and as a result are just a little behind the estimation. I too did not "look" pregnant until the very end. It was frustrating because people were surprised to find out I was even pregnant until about 30 weeks. I am fairly tall and my daughter hid well (or did people just think I was fat:-)). Also don't forget that the "ideal" measurement is also an estimate....estimate upon estimate can make for a worried mommy.....Take a really deep breath (wait...okay as big a breath as you can;-)), put your feet up and be glad the every other hour feeding hasnh't begun yet.

S.

Well, I am 31 weeks with my fifth pregnancy. Every pregnancy I measure small. About three weeks behind. If your baby is only measuring about a week behind things are usually fine. Mine all measured 3 weeks behind and I've had three that were nearly eight ponds. My second child was a pound lighter however but very healthy. If you are at the end of your pregnancy it is also possible that the baby has already dropped into the pelvis. Sometimes that is also a reason for smaller measurements. Also I am much bigger right now than I was at the end of my other pregnancies. Yet still I have people who look at me and say I'm only just barely showing. I just carry differently than most. Unless your doctor is concerned, you're probably fine.

First, one week difference in your ultrasound measurement is not cause for alarm - nor does it (obviously) mean your due date is different. Typically a due date is only changed if the difference is 2+ weeks. Second - babies come when they come and are the size that they are - some kids are always bigger or smaller, taller or shorter than others...not all babies are born the same weight or heights...Just enjoy the last few days that you have being preggo, and hope the baby comes out healthy!!!

Hi there! Good luck on your upcoming delivery! I have two boys that I measured very small with both of them when pregnant. I went to get a flu shot when 7 months pregnant with my 1st and there was the shortage and they were only giving them to the elderly and pregnant women at the time. When I walked up to get it, they wanted to know why I was there. So, I totally understand the looking small thing. Weird problem to have. I wouldn't worry about measuring a week or two behind. With my first, I measured pretty consistently 4 weeks behind and he was a week early and born at 6 lb and 14 oz. and with my second I measured 5 weeks behind, he was born 2 days after his due date and weighed the exact same as his brother. Both labors and deliveries were wonderful. They were both pretty small babies weight wise for a while, but measured 50-75% for height and head. My second boy just had his one year check up last week and was over 20 pounds, so doing just fine.

I'm sure everything will be fine with this new little one. Good luck with everything that having a new baby entails!

B. A.

First of all, CONGRATULATIONS! With my first child, a girl, I started measuring a cm or so smaller than gestation at around the 7th month. Right after my 7 month visit, my daughter turned and was head down and I could feel her slowly slipping farther down into the canal. It got painful in the end, with her head wedged as far down as she could go. She also had been quite active until the last month and she still moved, but not as vigorously. I wouldn't either if I were wedged in that tightly.
She was born 5 days early, and so was my second, a boy. When they are born doesn't relate to measurments. They come on their terms and not ours. My daughter was very healthy and weighed 6 lbs 3 oz, which was good for me, I'm only 4'11" and not very wide at the hips (well I didn't used to be). I am also in my 40's having my first kids (42 and 44). Both my kids were a little smaller than average, my son is in the 10th percentile and my daughter was in the 3rd and dropped off to the 1st percentile. She is considered small for gestational age, but all of the ultrasounds were good, just the uterine measurement was low. I was always the smallest in my class, and my daughter is taking after me. My son is no giant either (they at least have more chance with a 6'4" uncle, than I did).
Seven days less isn't much in the scheme of things. Did you happen to chart your cycle before you got pregnant? The period to ovulation timing isn't the same for everyone and you could have a longer cycle between last period and ovulation, it can be as long as 7 days different for some women. The calculations they use at the doctor's office is on average, to get the average, some women have to have a shorter period to ovulation cycle and some a longer one. Don't worry, as long as the baby looks healthy in the ultrasounds, that is what is important. Just take care of yourself and let the worry go, it will be healthier for you and your children.

Hi C.,

Being pregnant is all about worrying--not one of us could say we didn't--but its worth it to take a step back here. I hear you beating yourself and worrying about the unknown. What you do know is that your measuring a little small, which doesn't mean anything, really by itself. And you also know that there's nothing you can do at this point besides be as healthy as you can, run after your toddler and wait for labor-day. Probably your baby is just fine and just a little smaller than your first (my second was a good 2 inches shorter than my first, but my body looked bigger). If your girl really does have health problems, what will you do? It helps to remember that if your fears end up a reality that you will have support and you will handle any problems as they come. Promise yourself that, so you can stop worrying about it now and only worry about it if it actually happens. Does that make sense??

Just to reassure you...44 years ago I gave birth to a completely healthy 5lb. 6 oz. full term baby girl. She was beautiful, and is still beautiful and healthy today, but was about 3 days past her due date. Unbelievably I only gained 13 lbs. my complete pregnancy. I didn't look pregnant at all until around my 7th month. She was also my second child. I ended up having 5 children, and all the rest were in the 7 lb. range. I have no idea why she was so small, and yet so perfect. So, I just thought I would reassure you. BTW...I never did really have to wear maternity clothes either. Just relax, and realize there is probably no reason for concern...and Congratulations on your upcoming new addition.

C.,

Count yourself lucky - I know I did. When I was pregnant the second time around most people could not tell by looking at me that I was pregnant until late in my seventh month. I felt very fortunate to be small making it easier to move around to care for my son who turned 2 two weeks after she was born. Also, even though I looked small and she arrived 3 weeks early, she was born at a healthy 7 lbs 10 ounces. If your ultrasounds indicate no problems and the doctor is not reporting health concerns, I would not be so concerned with measurements matching the week of pregnancy that you are on. Good Luck!

HI C.,

Well, even though I was huge, my baby was small (5 lbs 13 oz) and early (11 days), and though she had some latching issues with nursing for the first week, after that she did just fine - she's two now and we just had her checkup and she's in 50th percentile for both height and weight (having been 10th and 5th at birth). We breastfed until 21 months, though she started on solid food at 6 months, and she's always been a pretty healthy baby, few colds and no major illnesses or injuries so far... So try not to worry, just get out there and walk and hopefully your baby will make its appearance soon!

My sister's first baby was 7 lb 6 oz. Her next 3 were all in the 5 pound range. They all went close to full term. For her last baby, her doctor was concerned about his size. She went to the hospital a couple times a week for tests to make sure everything was fine. She and the nurses joked about how much space she was taking up in the hopital for no good reason.

All her babies turned out healthy and are healthy children rnaging in ages from 6 to 2. One of them is very petite and the others are normal sized.

My experience was the opposite. My first was 6'7" and each succesive child was bigger.

I guess what I am saying is that what is normal for women in general is not necessarily normal for you. Small measurements don't mean there has to be something wrong with your baby. Also, about the gestation date, different women have different ovulation cycles, so even though you had the date written on your calendar, your baby could have started growing a week later than most babies.

Congratulations and good luck!

Congrats on adding to your family SOON! :-D Isn't it funny how as your due date approaches, it feels like forever until your baby will arrive so you can know what she's like? I think it's just normal to worry about things completely out of our control when the end of the pregnancy is almost here.

Unless your doctor is concerned with your measurements (which it sounds like he/she isn't) than I don't think you should worry yourself about your fundal measurements. I'm a plus-sized mama and never had real accurate measurements. I didn't really start looking pregnant until my 3rd trimester and once I dropped (about a week or so before the big day) I barely looked pregnant. I only gained 9 pounds my entire pregnancy (which is perfect for being obese) and my doctor was sure I was going to have a large, 8+ pound baby. That made me nervous because I was determined to have a natural, un-medicated birth.

Well, we were all surprised when my 3-day "overdue" LITTLE girl came out at 5 lbs. 14 oz.!! There really is no way for them to know just how big your baby will be until she's here.

Our daughter has been tiny her entire life and we've had lots of extra doctor appointments for weight checks. It's been frustrating, but now that she just turned 3 she's finally back up to 5% for her height (which is what she started out at) and her pediatrician was ecstatic! I'm sure we'll still have extra weight checks, but they don't stress me out any longer. Our daughter has always been VERY intelligent and her doctor said she's advanced 1-2 years for most things she does (yet emotionally, very much a 3 year old). I've always figured that her brain has used her food more than her body has. ;-)

Try to relax and enjoy these last hours/days as a mommy to 1. I'm sure your life will be crazier (in a good way) soon. :-) If you really can't put your mind at ease, then put in a call to your doctor or nurse. I'm sure once you hear that everything is okay, you'll be able to put it out of your mind more. And once again, congratulations!! :-D

I suspect there are a lot of us who will commiserate. My baby measured small throughout my pregnancy. There were people who couldn't tell i was pregnant until the last month or so! (I wear big sweatshirts, which made a difference, but i just didn't really pop out until the very end.) My fundal height was also usually 1-2 cm behind where it was 'supposed' to be.

My girl was born at over 8 lbs, though, and was fine and healthy in every respesct. If your baby is moving a lot and seems healthy, i'm sure she is. Good luck with a nice delivery and wonderful baby!

Don't worry! I honestly think that there is no way to accurately tell the size of an unborn baby. I was very large at the end of my pregnancy and after an ultrasound at 35 weeks I was told that my baby would be well over 10 lbs. So after weeks of terror and tears and begging my dr to induce me (which she said she would not do for a big baby) I had a perfectly healthy 7 lb baby. They said I just had a lot of fluid and that made the measurement inaccurate.
My friend had the opposite experience, her dr told her that her baby was on the small side and would not induce her even though she was past her due date and she did have a 10 lb baby.
So try not to stress and best of luck to you!

My due date is in 2 weeks and everyone looks at me can't believe it because I look so small and not swollen, etc.
Your baby movement sounds normal. i'm paying attention to that and trying to ignore other people's comments...not always easy.
And baby measurements are just an estimate so don't worry about being only a week off. If you've had a couple dr measure you it could just be their variation of measuring. my midwifes don't always measure so it must not be a big concern.
Good luck. Be patient and calm. That's what I tell myself since it is the best way to ensure a safe delivery.

I carried very small with both of my pregnancies, and never once measured the "correct" cm to the weeks gestation. My first was 10 days past due and my second was 2 days past his due date. Both of my boys are healthy as can be and both were extremely active right up until the end. My second pregnancy I also worried because I didn't eat as well as I should have but everything turned out fine. The baby sucks out all of the nutrition it needs from the food you eat and your body if the food doesn't cut it. Just don't worry because it's pointless anyway. What will be will be and your baby will come when it's ready. Take it easy and try to relax and rest as much as possible.

Bless your heart C.,
We never know just how lucky we are. You are so fortunate to get to worry about somthing so trivial! I can assure you, everything is going to be just fine.
Babies, just like the rest of us come in many different sizes. An "average" baby can range from 5 to 9 pounds without any particular significance(with reguards to weight.)
Another thing to consider is the fact that your pregnancy is term. At this point the baby may have a little less amniotic fluid, causing a smaller measurement. Also as you said, you're chasing a toddler. You're probably not gaining all the weight of an average pregnancy-lucky you. Remember the Doc isn't actually measuring the uterus he/she is measurinf from your oubic bone to your umbilicus. If your chubbier, it's longer, If you're taller, shorter, thinner-you get the idea. Anyway, don't get too overly concerned. If the Doctors thought the baby wasn't growing or gaing weight appropriatly, at this point, the would have induced your labor or performed a c-section. The pregnancy is term and it would be safer for her to be born at that point.
A measurement 1cm below average is nothing to be concerned about, but you can always ask your doctor about it. It's their job to keep you informed about your concerns, and answer your questions. I've also never heard of smallish maternal uterine measurements causing longterm dissablities in kids. I think you're in the clear =) I know it can be scary though. You know in your head everything is fine, but your heart is beating out of your chest! But relax, have faith
On a personal note: From the 20th week on my uterus measured 4 weeks large, after the 30th week it was 6 weeks too large. The kept freaking me out and senging me in for more ultrasounds. Ultrasounds to check the baby, ultasounds to check the uterus, to find tumors on her, tumors on me, extra amniotic fluid, placental abruption, internal bleeding, secondary ectopic pregnancy. You name it. SCARY. After awhile I just asked them to stop checking. I told them I felt fine, the baby always seems perfect, all the tests freak me out. If nothing appears wrong...let's leave well enough alone. So we did. And, all is well. my uterus was perfect. She is amazing, beautiful, wonderful, brilliant, loving, stinker. I hope this helps. Good luck! Happy delivery! Happy Birthday baby!
M. D

Hi C.,

Everything sounds perfect to me!

I'm a perinatal nurse and as long as your baby has been growing, all should be well. It's when they don't grow that concern is raised. 1/2cm isn't that much and if it was a different provider, sometimes there is an error in measurement anyhow.

Also, given that you had high blood sugar with your first, that baby would most likely be bigger. It's not necessarily true that each baby gets bigger - each is their own person. Also, some people carry their babies differently and don't appear as pregnant as they are (or more pregnant - it goes both ways!) (My first was 9-4 and we were all shocked as I wasn't that big - my next three got smaller 8-4, 8-4 and 7-4)

Just love and nurse your baby and she will be fine! Some mom's just don't gain that much weight during pregnancy. The fact that your baby is moving and active are great signs that all is healthy too. If you go past your due date, your provider may order an ultrasound to do a Biophysical profile or check for amniotic fluid index. If those are low, they may suggest an induction or repeat in a couple of days depending on the results.

Good luck,

C.

Hi there!
First of, Relax! I know you're probably really anxious but,that won't help anything! From what it sounds like to me, your pregnancy seems perfectly normal. Your "due date" is really just an average to give them something to go by. Even if you know the exact date of your last period, if you haven't been charting your cycles then you could have ovulated at any time during that cycle which could make your "due date" off by two weeks or more. Your last period or even the lengths of your cycles doesn't tell you when you ovulated/conceived.
Also, it's very normal to measure at a certain measurement one week and a smaller one the next toward the end of pregnancy. Actually, it's a good thing because it means that the baby is getting lower in the pelvis in preparation for birth! : )
As far as "looking small" I wouldn't worry about it! You can never tell by how a woman looks how big the baby is going to be. I've seen women who apear to be only seven months by the end of their pregnancy and end up with nine pound babies! The opposite is also true, I looked HUGE with my second and she was only just over six pounds.
So just take a deep breath, think about the beautiful birth that you want to have and picture your gorgeous, healthy baby! It will totally help!

Good luck!

J.

I think what you are feeling is VERY normal. I measured small my last trimester by usually 1-2cms at every appt., but my doc was never worried. I carried both babies 40 weeks and 2 days and there was one ounce difference between them. 7'3" and 7'4". I also do not gain weight when I am prego. I eat like a horse and have only gained 5 lbs with each pregnancy, again no worry from my doc, because my babies always looked healthy in utero. Just as you, people could not believe I was 9 months prego, looked more like 6 or 7. I just carried my baby wide, not straight out. Good Luck these next few days. I know how daunting it can be feeling as though you will NEVER have this baby and be out of the woods, but it does pass and you will be snuggling your sweet little bundle any day now. Just try and relax and let your body do the work and enjoy your last few days!

It is normal as you approach your due date for your fundal height to not measure = to weeks, as baby beings to drop. As for baby measuring smaller than gestation, remember that every baby is different a week really is not that significant, my third of 4, was measuring 3-5 weeks behind on ultrasound and my amniotic fluid was decreasing so I was also measuring smaller. My ob decided it was time for her to come 3 days before she was due. To our surprise she was 6# 11oz, 2#'s smaller than my first 2 babies, but larger than we were expecting. She is now the smallest in her preschool, but has no other problems. She is 4 years old weighs 30# and is only a few inches taller than my 20-month-old. Everyone thinks she is too cute being small and talking like an older child, which is the biggest problem, big attitude in a little package. I've decided it is genetics, she got the small genes, that could be what is causing you/baby to measure small. Since you will be over due, if you don't deliver by tomorrow, your doctor should schedule you for a nonstress test. Best wishes for a healthy baby.

My baby is at 33 weeks and she is only in the 13th percentile for weight so they are probably going to induce me at 35 weeks so they can get her out and growing. They have told me that even at that age and weight she will be ok with a little bit of medical help to gain weight.

I'm telling you this because of the fact that you are full term which makes me think you shouldn't need to worry much about her running a little small! Even if she is really small when she's born they can take great care of her and she'll be fine. (My non medical opinion of course :-) I know...I mean I really KNOW it's hard not to worry. I'm trying not to be a nervous wreck. But just try to enjoy the next few days you have with your baby in your body. Best best best wishes for your delivery and new bundle of iddy biddy joy!

C. -
First thing (I know this is easier said than done) but don't worry! I measured at like 37 cm for my entire last month. My doctor said that as the baby drops you can measure smaller - the measuring of the fundal height is really just a guideline. Also no one could believe that I was big enough at the end either. I got so sick of hearing it although I know it is a compliment I guess I took it as they were saying that I hadn't gained enough weight - which I had (37 lbs). Anyway the moral of the story is that we had a healthy 7lb 9oz baby boy one day before his due date. He continues to be very average weight and is actually in the 95% for his height!! Also remember the measurements on ultrasounds are only so accurate - I have known so many women who were told their baby was small or big only to deliver and have what they were told be off by a pound or two (or more!). Also remember that girls tend to be smaller than boys so maybe this little girl is just more petite than your son - nothing wrong with that! Good luck! I know the waiting is hard but she will be here soon!

I wouldnt worry to much. My son was 5 pounds when he was born. I did have complications with the pregnancy and had to be induced at 37 1/2 weeks but he was still very small. He had low blood sugar and had to be fed formula through a dropper because he was burning more calories than he was getting while trying to nurse. after the first 3 days he could go back to nursing. He is now 18 months and growing perfectly. He is in the 5th percentile for his weight but the 90th for his height. He eats fine and is active and very smart. So while he had a harder start than most babies hes is doing fine and has been since we brought him home. Good luck on your new baby! Hope this helps!

Hi C.,

I can't give you any guarantees but I was a 5 and 1/2 pound baby with no major medical problems. I think I'm average height for a woman- 5 feet, 4 inches. My mother was chasing after my 3 siblings and worrying a lot because she was almost 40 years old then and concerned about birth defects (no tests available at that time). I think all the charts and measurements doctors give can make you a little crazy. When I was pregnant they kept telling me I was measuring too big and my son turned out 7.5 lbs!

I know telling a pregnant woman not to worry is futile. But maybe you can get a massage or pedicure and relax for an hour?

Good luck and best wishes!

I am eight months with our third. Both boys I carried really well, meaning small and no one could believe I was as far along as I was said to be. I also measured behind by 3-4 cms, even at this point I am at 31.5 when I should be at 35. Maybe has something to do with me being 5'1. Both babies were 7 pounders, and perfectly healthy, they just hung out for an extra week over EDD. That is something that was hereditary, my mom carried over by 2 weeks with all her pregnancies. As long as your doctor isn't worried everything will be fine. Good Luck!

I too had the thing of people telling me I seemed small during my pregnancy (I only gained 26 lbs total). So, at 36 weeks I went to my doctor to ask about it and he sent me for an ultrasound. The only thing I found out was that the baby was breech! I ended up having a c-section because of the breech position, but otherwise, my baby was healthy and fine. He weighed 6 lbs. 12 oz. when he was born. I think the comments you are getting are meant to be a compliment but I TOTALLY understand how it would make you nervous. My little boy is 3 1/2 now and is well within the normal limits on all areas. He's a bit skinny but is still "on the charts" for his weight. I wouldn't worry. Let your doctor be your guide, not people who are not medical experts. Good luck and I hope you have a great delivery experience!

I can feel your anxiety, some panic feelings, maybe some guilt and probably some depression. You are just so tired. Maybe too tired. Negative stuff comes up when one is very tired. If you can, try to just let go and let things happen. If you can't let go...inform your doctor that you are having a stress response of some type, maybe an obsessive panic attack...and have him and those around you watch you closely for PPD. If possible get some help lined up for post delivery; people to help with your toddler and home caring stuff. You need to refocus on yourself and your new baby....SLEEP and eat!

I am the child of a mother who was had cyclic vomiting, hyper vomiting for the whole nine months prior to my birth. She lost weight, was skinny as can be. I was over 5 pounds, no damage...a real cutie, if I must say so myself. And here I am at 61.

Things will be fine. One day at a time. Eat well for
yourself after she is born and have good breast milk.

Well, I would say you have nothing to worry about. :)

My first was a girl, always measured small, they then told me (when looking at her after birth) they thought she was about 7 lb 12 oz. then they weighed her and she was 6lb 13oz. They were only a pound off! :) hee hee

Baby #2 (boy) was 6lb 14.5oz and they thought he would be about 7.5lb. I measured large with him.

Baby #3 (boy) was 6lb 13 oz again and measured small at the end also.

Baby #4 (girl) estimated to be around 7lbs and measured right on the whole time and came out 7lb 4oz.

All 4 had decreased movement the last 2 or 3 weeks of pregnancy because their space got too tight for movement. If you are a smaller person they tend to still try and group you into the same category as regular sized people and freak you out that something is wrong, when really, small people...have small babies. :) Thank goodness!

Bottom line...

They will all be different, you trust your own mommy instincts and if you think something is wrong have it checked out, it's okay to over react a little bit, it's a brand new little human for crying out loud! :) I pray everything will be wonderful for you and you will just have some fun stories to tell as they get older. :)

PS. Hoola hooping with your hips (no need for actual hoola hoop) to kick start contractions is good, but generally speaking...if baby doesn't want to come out yet, she isn't going to like you bugging her about it. :)