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05/05/2008
SCREEEEEEEEEEAWGGGGGHWWW
The trouble with having had so many legitimate reasons to freak out is that it gets kind of hard to tell the difference.
Two weeks ago I had a scan at my MFM's office. Everything was fine — great, in fact, with the baby measuring a week ahead of dates, in the 90th percentile for size.
Friday I had a scan at my OB's office. Everything was fine — great, in fact, with the baby measuring exactly correctly for dates, in the 60th percentile for size.
I am trying to figure out how to type an onomatopoetic representation of that sound a phonograph needle makes when it's suddenly being dragged across a feel-good pop hit from the '60s. You know, like they sometimes do in movie trailers when they want to signify a sudden upsetting paradigm shift, like maybe that hot girl the camera was following down the street isn't really a hot girl at all, but Steve Buscemi in drag. Oh, it starts out innocuously enough...
Sugar
Awwww, honey honey
You are my cannndy, girrrrl
And you got me SCREEEEEEEEEEAWGGGGGHWWWWhat the fucking FUCK?
...and, okay, I don't mind having my preconceived notions about the intrinsic nature of human beauty challenged, but once that record is scratched and the soundtrack changes to, I don't know, "Dude Looks Like a Lady" or something, the bottom line is that you're still looking at Mr. Pink in falsies and a Spandex minidress. And the best you can say about the whole thing is that it could be worse. It could be Benicio del Toro.
The OB who did the scan seemed unconcerned. "I wouldn't worry" is what he said. "You're not the one with a file that reads like Finnegan's fucking Wake" is what I answered. No, that's a lie; finding myself incapable of speech, I actually just scissored my thighs apart, trapped his neck in an unforgiving viselike grip, and choked him until he turned the loveliest shade of periwinkle, to match his panicked, watering eyes.
No, that's a lie, too. It was an inverted facelock camel clutch.
The thing is, he is almost certainly right. Leaving aside normal variations in growth, the fact that the scan was done on different equipment by a different operator could easily lead to discrepancies that may sound significant to the patient — 30 percentile points! — but that are, in reality, mere clinical bagatelles.
Right?
At this point, my sense of when it is appropriate to worry is seriously skewed. Sometimes a headache is just a headache. Other times, it's a sign that your brain is about to ooze out of your ears if that baby doesn't come out now. (My head feels fine, thanks for asking.) Although Charlie was born at a great weight for his gestational age, the fact that my placenta showed marked signs of age — never normal in a preterm birth — and had an infarct showed that if he hadn't been born when he was, it's virtually certain that he would have begun to suffer from growth restriction. And that's the best case scenario. So even the faintest suggestion of slowed growth scares the busty Buscemi out of me.
Given all this, I have decided to permit myself a small ration of low-grade anxiety. The OB wants me to schedule a repeat scan for four weeks, pointing out that because of those normal variations, an earlier scan won't tell us much. I feel sure he would forgive me my skittishness if he remembered that it was he who neglected to request a protein dip at my 28-week appointment with Charlie, and he who gave me cheerful leave to travel. I don't blame him at all for failing to predict what happened, HELLP being what it is, but the association still makes me twitchy. Therefore I am keeping the appointment I'd already scheduled for two weeks from now with my MFM, who did the original scan — you remember, the one we were enjoying before the perfectly unobjectionable "Sugar, Sugar" went all SCREEEEEEEEEEAWGGGGGHWWWell, no wonder Tony Soprano shot him with a 12-gauge.
Posted by Julie at 12:54 PM in Jesus gay, I'm pregnant. | Permalink
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Comments (60)
How 'bout we all worry and you try to think calming, growing thoughts for the next two weeks.
Posted by: Barb at May 5, 2008 1:01:10 PM
If it makes you feel better, and it may not:
Both the current kid (28 weeks) and the previous kid (born at 32 weeks due to pre-e) were all over the growth curves depending on who and when and what week it was.
60% -- still normal, right?
Okay, if that didn't work: The first sign of growth restriction they caught with my first-born was that his STOMACH was falling off the growth charts, but the head and everything else was on track. Since the fetus will shunt blood flow to the head and vital organs first, the *discrepancy* was the warning sign, not a smaller kid.
All that aside, I thought I'd be zen about this phase of week 28, when my blood pressure started to go up last time. And even though it hasn't, I have to admit, starting this week, that I'm pretty damn sensitive to freak-outs too, and will be for at least the next four weeks. Right there with you, honey.
Posted by: Heather at May 5, 2008 1:12:12 PM
Eh, I'm not even worried. Those measurements are somebody trying to get data by viewing two dimensional images of a three dimensional entity /through your stomach/. Go ahead! Be anxious. I will be calm for you.
But, er. do keep us updated.
Posted by: Chrysoula at May 5, 2008 1:18:04 PM
Yeah but they were two whole pounds off on my son's weight so I take their measurements and growth curves with a big ol grain of kosher salt.
Posted by: kimblahg at May 5, 2008 1:38:08 PM
Yes, I would chalk up the first, or second, scan Operator Error. The third one should tell you which was more correct, but until then, like Barb suggested, you remain calm and the internet friends will freak out on your behalf.
Posted by: Teresa at May 5, 2008 1:39:34 PM
My fetal medicine prof used to tell me that I should only compare growth scans from the same machines and preferably same operator and then anything up to 20 - 25% out was "normal". Ditto the others re you being zen and the rest of us freaking.
Posted by: Betty M at May 5, 2008 1:46:47 PM
Take a deep breath and try not to worry...too much. The algorithms that are used to measure the size of a fetus aren't the same at every hospital or doc's office, so the measurement of femur, head circumference, and belly may add up to 90% in one visit on one machine, or may add up to 60% on another. Also, not all software uses the same measurements...on one visit my twins were measured at the femur and from crown to rump, at another the belly and head circumference measurements were used. This time around the only measurement being used is the ole' tape measure on the belly. So....take these measurements with a grain of salt. (I know, easier said than done)
Posted by: Chickenpig at May 5, 2008 2:21:29 PM
When I was 36 weeks pregnant, I had a troubling ultrasound that showed my baby was measuring really strangely. Her head measured at 41 weeks, but her body measured at 34 weeks. I was told that it was head sparing IUGR, and the MFM doctor gave me a speech that I've mostly blocked out but included the phrases "chromosomal abnormalities" and "lifelong disabilities".
My baby was born measuring exactly average - average weight, average head circumference, average chest circumference. When I told the nurse who took her measurements about the ultrasound, she laughed and showed me a chart and sure enough, my baby was exactly on the 50th percentile line for all measurements. The scan was total crap. I never had a repeat scan after the 36 week one since they told me there was nothing to be done, so I can only assume it was ultrasound error.
I'm sorry that you have a reason to be anxious.
Posted by: Kate at May 5, 2008 2:23:19 PM
You do have more reasons to be concerned than most do at any irregularities, true. I will put out there for your consideration that when they did my second scan the OB claimed my son was actually 3 1/2 weeks younger than he actually was; when I asked her later she said he was much smaller than she expected for his gestational age, but she wasn't worried because variations occur. Turns out when I went for my initial exam they measured him as 6 weeks when he was really about 9, and was small for his age then. When he was born 2 1/2 weeks early, the nurse came and told me (as did the pediatrician, later) that he was actually a week or so late. The whole cluster f--k was off by 3 1/2 weeks, give or take, just because someone put too much stock in the scan telling them instead of actually using some critical thinking skills. Whatever. He was born 7 lbs 21 inches, so it didn't matter in the end, and didn't matter now, as he's in the 95th percentile for height.
I know you know exactly how old your little one is, gestationally speaking, but maybe there was a problem of operator or perception error. I'm rooting for you.
Posted by: Mazarin at May 5, 2008 2:24:17 PM
Julie, I'm an OB/GYN, and I totally agree with Betty. Honestly, even if the little guy stopped growing totally in a week's time, the growth measurements wouldn't be that far apart. But I know that telling you not to worry is silly (and downright insulting). So keep that MFM appointment, and we're all here for you.
Posted by: Dr. Kate at May 5, 2008 2:24:57 PM
I know this is normally not allowed, but considering the circumstances: {{{hugs}}}
For what it's worth, I will be thinking of you. Now, just go out and gestate. Damn it.
Posted by: thrice at May 5, 2008 2:31:44 PM
I don't know whether to pee myself from laughing or from fear for you and your baby.
I hope everything's okay and I get to pee in the bathroom.
Posted by: Mme. Meow at May 5, 2008 2:33:15 PM
Julie,
Two different OBs told me my first son was going to be 5.5 lbs at the MOST. He was 8 lbs. 1 oz.
That's all I'm sayin'.
Posted by: Dani at May 5, 2008 2:47:28 PM
My first full-term pregnancy was conceived via IVF and I was a gestational diabetic, so the last few months of my pregnancy involved lots and lots of scans. Throughout the pregnancy, Olivia measured a little on the large side, ahead of schedule. A month before her due date, the doctor predicted she'd be 9+ lbs and advised an early C-section to prevent stress on me and the baby. Olivia was delivered about 1 1/2 weeks early at a perfectly normal 7lbs 4 oz, well below what the ultrasounds were predicting.
Since your scans were done on different machines, by different people, as you pointed out, that is likely a large factor in the percentile discrepancy. Ultrasounds aren't very accurate for measuring anyway. My not-at-all-professional opinion is that the difference is worth keeping in mind, especially when you can compare with the next one, but I don't think slowed growth is a concern yet. Of course, third party opinions are a dime a dozen and it's never the same when it's YOUR pregnancy and YOUR baby. I'll keep hoping your next scan is nice and reassuring.
Posted by: Pamela at May 5, 2008 2:50:11 PM
Ok, thank goodness for your commenters, because I was going to have to hold my breath for a full two weeks, and the occasional gasping and blue lips would have been hella annoying to those around me. But whomever pointed out that a kid with no growth wouldn't be 30% behind in a week's time made me feel a lot better - it must just be a difference in the scans. Smell the next tech's breath for alcohol before sliming up for #3!
Still taking deep, calming breaths and thinking good thoughts for you anyway. Two weeks wait! The hell you say! I can't believe there aren't more new reports of pregnant women hijacking sonograms and such.
Posted by: anne nahm at May 5, 2008 3:02:14 PM
It's so hard to not worry about anything and everything after going through all that you did with Charlie. I was on bedrest with all 5 of my kids and 4 of my 5 were early. 3 of which being born between 30 and 32.4 weeks. So yeah, TRY not to worry just a tid bit when you've had so much going against you before. It's real fucking easy, let me tell ya!
I'm sure that all is fine, and like someone else said, they can be So off with those things sometimes.
Always wishing you the best, and Yes! keep us posted!
And thanks a lot for giving me the chills at the thought of records getting scratched. Geeeuuughh! I HATE that sound!
Posted by: TheHMC at May 5, 2008 3:14:43 PM
I'm with all the others, on the inaccuracy of those measurements (either that or my son only gained exactly one ounce in his exactly last 2 weeks, 2 days of gestation), and with the proposal that you let us internets do the worrying for you, not that you don't have impressive and hard-earned experience in this field.
Posted by: Alex at May 5, 2008 3:20:47 PM
Take care, Julie. I don't blame you for freaking the hell out, and I'm glad there's an MFM in your immediate future, but I hope it's really truly nothing to worry about.
Posted by: Jody at May 5, 2008 3:55:29 PM
Don't Panic! The error bars on those measurements are huge, something like +/- 20%. The technology is far from perfect. On the other hand, feel free to use the measurements as an excuse to freak out at your doctor, repeatedly hitting him over the head with you super-thick medical file if it makes you feel better. He probably deserves it even if you don't blame him.
Posted by: Elizabeth at May 5, 2008 3:56:52 PM
My first reaction was something extreme, filthy, and loud! But then I thought about the fact that you have different u/s machines and diffferent techs and I calmed (a bit).
You have every reason to be freaked out, but I'm really hoping that the comments that have already been written (someone with a MFM prof, and an actual OB/GYN - very awesome), will leave you with your nerves a bit less on "ALERT! ALERT! ALERT!" for the interim until the next appointment.
Have you considered calling the MFM office and letting them know you've had a scan? Maybe they could get you in next week instead of two weeks from now, or maybe they could have the MFM present for the scan? Just a thought.
Posted by: Boulder at May 5, 2008 4:00:50 PM
And here is the sound, I think:
Posted by: Boulder at May 5, 2008 4:01:59 PM
Sorry - here you go:
SCREEEEEEEEEEAWGGGGGHWWW
Posted by: Boulder at May 5, 2008 4:05:26 PM
Dude, anyone who blames you for being extremely nervous about this pregnancy stuff is an asshole, plain and simple.
While we all keep everything crossed that the bun is fine in the oven, and growing nicely, I think you're doing the right thing to keep your MFM appointment, and please bug the shite out of the OB's and MFM's for whatever tests, scans, and whatnot you need to hold it together!
Posted by: ericalil at May 5, 2008 4:09:48 PM
As an emergency veterinarian, I have owners who hop from doctor to doctor, collecting opinions along the way. My advice to them, and to you, is PICK ONE DOCTOR AND STICK WITH HIM/HER. Medicine is subjective. Choosing where the place the cursor on the gray blob on the ultrasound machine is extremely subjective and operator dependent. I assume your MFM has specialty training beyond the level of training your OB has? That is the person I would choose to believe. If she's not worried, you shouldn't be.
Posted by: tracy at May 5, 2008 4:22:23 PM
Yikes, sorry for the worry. I had no wisdom to impart, but having learned from all these awesome commenters, I am reassured and hopefully you will be (atleast somewhat) reassured too. Good luck not freaking out too much, and glad to hear you're keeping that next scan in 2 weeks, not a month!
xo
Amanda Lynn
Posted by: Amanda Lynn at May 5, 2008 4:34:33 PM
I'd be freaked out too (and may yet be-- my next scan is in 2.5 weeks). But I am going to hope it is simply operator/machine error. Although that still leaves me wanting to clock said operator over his forgetful head.
Posted by: JuliaKB at May 5, 2008 4:35:05 PM
To repeat what everyone has said -- those machines are notoriously unreliable. And they depend on the expertise and interpretation of the individual technician. Even when I was cycling at Cornell the found a uterine polyp during stims. My RE made me make sure I went back the next morning and requested that the same RE do the U/S on the (non-moving) polyp to make sure it was useable information.
That said, you have every reason to be leery about the OB saying 4 weeks. That does seem cavalier given your case history, and would certainly give me pause. You shouldn't not remind him about the placental abnormalities in your last pregnancy, nor should the OB make you feel neurotic for doing so. Your last pregnancy was not, ahem, textbook simple. What's the worst that can happen, he will mutter, "Christ what an asshole"? Let 'im. Better to ask and advocate then to "let yourself worry." I'm not saying to go spoiling for fights, although with your mad wrestling skillz you probably have a hard time finding enough worthy adversaries, but you are hardly crying wolf.
Posted by: another julie at May 5, 2008 5:27:43 PM
Just an anecdote but...
A family friend delivered her first baby several weeks early because the doctor was concerned about size. The baby was measuring, 3 weeks prior to her due date, at over 10 lbs. Thus, an early c-section.
The c-section resulted in a baby that was born at just over 5 lbs.
Posted by: Jen at May 5, 2008 5:28:56 PM
Well, I'm going to believe that all is well and it is just due to error, like y'all said. Considering how calm you've been so far throughout this pregnancy, you're entitled to a bit of a freak-out. We all know you'll keep your freak-out in perspective, too.
Posted by: Carrie Jo at May 5, 2008 6:21:01 PM
I'm just agreeing with everyone who has said, yeah, given your history you are entitled to be freaking right the fuck out all day long, every day, if you want to, and nobody should blame you a bit. BUT I'm also glad to see all the comments about the variations on scans, which I'm happy to note all seem to have resulted in perfectly healthy babies sleeping upstairs in ladybug onesies. Or whatever. I'd give the MFM a call and tell her what happened and that you're freaking out and ask for some reassurance... maybe they can move your appointment up. I'll be thinking about you!
Posted by: jenn at May 5, 2008 7:29:20 PM
Those prenatal measurements seem mostly guesses if you ask me. They tend to be wildly off. Still, I'm glad you have an extra set of doctors who can help keep your mind at ease.
Posted by: Eva at May 5, 2008 7:44:51 PM
What really needs to be said at this moment is that you are such a joy to read! I mean, I completely understand your concern, but only you could be so freaking funny about it. And that's what keeps me coming back. I am extremely lucky in that I got pregnant twice very easily and with no complications. So why am I reading a (sometimes) infertility blog? Because you are a freaking wonderful writer, as this post proves. I know very little about what you are going through, but I am definitely on your side and hoping for the best, as the rest of your readers are. Keep on keeping on!
Posted by: Reyna at May 5, 2008 8:54:01 PM
You are so right to think about the news you have received.
But worry - please don't. Take each day and breathe and enjoy. Worrying doesn't get you anywhere in life.
Love reading your stories; I am adopting so have buried all infertility pain at least six feet under.
Enjoy your next two weeks!!
Alyson LID 01/27/06
Posted by: Alyson at May 5, 2008 8:56:19 PM
It is easy for us to say, hey just chill out, but I know for a fact if I were you, I'd be a little on the worried side. Get the scan again and we all are keeping you and the lil guy in our thoughts!!!!
Posted by: Sheri at May 5, 2008 9:10:02 PM
It's impossible not to worry, but different operators + different equipment = different results.
I remember shuttling back and forth between the RE and the OB's office and having different (widely divergent) due dates for each despite the fact that we'd done IVF and the timing of conception was not in any sort of doubt.
Posted by: BrooklynGirl at May 5, 2008 9:20:50 PM
De-lurking to rant about one of my pet peeves. Those prenatal measurements are complete voodoo! My husband & I were scared witless by inaccurate measurements. When I was 38 weeks with my first child, my midwife ordered an extra scan since she was convinced that our daughter was Giganta the Monster Baby! The ultrasound technician listened to the midwife and then confirmed- my goodness yes- this child is HUGE! My god, those cheeks! At least 10 pounds already! The midwife immediately urged us to have an elective c-section. When my husband & I told her that we wanted to talk it over, she looked me right in the eye and said "You have to THINK about what your baby is trying to tell you."
We consulted another midwife in the practice & decided to wait on the C-section. At my 39 week appointment, the midwife decided that there wasn't any amniotic fluid and ordered yet another scan. She emphatically told me that if there wasn't enough fluid left that I would be having an emergency c-section that afternoon. Frantic call to husband, put the family on high alert, etc etc. This second scan was one week later on the same machine but different operator. She estimated the weight at... 7 lb. 14 oz. The midwife told her that couldn't possibly be correct and to try again. "Um, 8 lbs. 3 oz?" As soon as we left the ultrasound room the midwife grabbed my arm and assured me that I shouldn't trust this second scan. She knew this baby was enormous and urged us to have the c-section. Our daughter was born the day before her due date- NOT by c-section, at 8 lbs. 6 oz. Cute, plump, but not the baby that ate North Carolina.
Best wishes and as impossible as this is- try not to worry!
Posted by: JJH at May 5, 2008 9:48:54 PM
We were told at our 20 week Ultrasound that our child had a ventricular septal defect (hole in the heart) and we were assured that this was a common thing that usually resolves itself.
Not trusting the diagnosis, I went to my local University hospital and had another scan done... and lo and behold, no hole! The second Dr. said it was probably "a blip on the screen".
Just a grain of salt to season your worry pot.
Posted by: Beepster at May 5, 2008 10:31:15 PM
Just TWO things Julie. One: try to get the second scan brought forward and then you may find Two a bit easier. Two: Breathe! In and out, in and out, in and out....
Staying calm should help the old BP and that's got to be good. As is usual with your readers, I have everything crossed (makes life very difficult but you and yours are worth it), please keep us posted.
Posted by: sharon at May 5, 2008 10:41:46 PM
Have no personal stories to share. Just hoping all is well. (Sounds like the odds are in your favor based on the craziness of everyone else's experience!)
Posted by: Angela at May 5, 2008 10:54:14 PM
There is little chance that the scans relate to the actual size of the babe - lots of research to back up this fairly wild statement of mine!
Fundal height (measured the same way, by the same person) gives a good idea but not scans done in different offices and by different people. So have a look at your FH instead? And being told that babe is in the 60th % may be psychologically easier to process when you think about pushing that babe out into the world ;). Unless I missed details of your planned birth?
Posted by: Emma Someone at May 5, 2008 11:59:36 PM
Did you read the report that chocolate helps stave off eclampsia? Yeah, seriously. So put some chocolate on that anxiety, and try to stay calm. You're in the home stretch.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18379424
(I also read a study when I was pregnant with my second that said that moms who ate chocolate every day had happier babies, so I did and my second kid is SO happy. Seriously. She is way more cheerful than #1. So, as if you needed another reason to eat chocolate, there you go.)
Posted by: Amy at May 6, 2008 12:47:13 AM
I didn't have time to read all the way through the comments, but as a doula and a Lamaze trained childbirth educator I wanted to pop in and give you hopefully some fear-calming information. Ultrasound is *not* a good indicator of size in the last trimester. As the baby grows, so does the margin of error...so by the end of pregnancy that margin of error is really *huge* - two pounds in either direction, I'm pretty sure. When they measure your fundus, are you steadily growing each week? That may be a better indication of fetal growth (although that gets complicated with baby position as well).
Posted by: Kristina at May 6, 2008 12:56:00 AM
Just chiming in on what everyone else said -- ultrasound measurements are notoriously unreliable. But yeah, if it were me I would be freaked.
Good thoughts to both of you.
Posted by: Elisabeth at May 6, 2008 9:29:24 AM
When I was pregnant with Colin my MFM showed me how just by altering the angle of the transducer she could drastically change his measurements...nevertheless, you feel how you feel, and if you feel anxious, then so be it.
Leave the 'shoulds' out of it - (like "I should be calm, I should not be worried") - the 'shoulds' aren't pregnant with your baby - YOU are, so YOU get to be in charge of what is worried about and what isn't.
Posted by: JDEgirl at May 6, 2008 10:38:17 AM
There's something I forgot to add yesterday that may also ease your fears since you cited the percentiles and not actual weights...
It turns out the people doing OB scans are a little unclear on the concepts or rounding and interpolation. When got the results from my last ultrasound, I was told that the baby was in the 74th percentile size-wise. I asked for an actual weight measurement just because I'm a numbers person. Afterwards I posted about it, mostly because 74th percentile seemed unexpectedly large. A friend had the actual growth charts, and it turns out that if you take the estimated weight it does show 74th percentile for a fetus at 29 weeks, BUT my scan was done at 29 weeks 5 days. They truncated to 29 weeks when they looked up the percentile even though I was much closer to 30 weeks. Interpolating from the actual charts it looks like the baby is actually much closer to average, which makes more sense. You might want to keep the interpolation issue in mind, not to mention the huge amount of error in these measurements.
Posted by: Elizabeth at May 6, 2008 11:17:25 AM
Trust your cynical gut -- you want answers . . . NOW. I would not wait weeks -- I'd be annoying the shit out of my peri and my ObGYN. It might be nothing, it might be something. Find out.
Posted by: Stacey at May 6, 2008 12:06:49 PM
You have every right to be worried. Get the tests you need to find peace of mind (or the information you need to make decisions). That said, I spent the entire third trimester of my pregnancy being told, alternately, that I was small for dates and might have IUGR, and that I was fine for dates and didn't need to worry about anything - depending only on which midwife I saw that day. Now, I didn't have your medical history, but this stuff is far from a science.
Posted by: at May 6, 2008 12:25:41 PM
I agree that the discrepancy is probably due to different equipment and different techs. I'd definitely keep that appointment in two weeks and get scanned again. Hell, I'd probably call and tell them what happened and see if I could get in sooner.
Posted by: kristylynne at May 6, 2008 12:31:14 PM
Mostly echoing what others have said here. First of all, I hear you on the worry thing. It is impossible for you not to worry. But I agree that the scans aren't entirely accurate. Mine have been ALL over the place! The baby has measured SMALLER at one scan than the week before (did he shrink?) to the point where at 27 weeks they were talking of admitting me to get the steroid shots b/c they would deliver me early. At the following u/s, the baby grew something like 2 weeks and 4 days worth (in like 4 days time). What??? The perinatologist said that honestly because oftentimes the positioning of the baby is awkward, they are forced to do the best they can w/ what they've got. So they are taking measurements in less than ideal conditions and the measurements aren't that accurate. He also said that measuring too frequently will skew the growth chart. I will be 30 weeks tomorrow and still haven't been delivered (and MIGHT be admitted today for the steroids...). It's quite an emotional roller coaster and I can't say that I have remained calm myself all of the time. BUT, if you trust your doctor and he/she thinks they don't need to see you very soon, then I guess that is a good sign! Hang in there and best of luck to you!
Posted by: Marie at May 6, 2008 1:08:57 PM
Hi Julie,
I'm in the camp who thinks you should call your MFM now. I think everyone's right about the different machines and the different scales and the fact that ultrasounds are wildly inaccurate in predicting fetal weight (and percentage weights don't really matter--we always just looked at the absolute change in weight) but I still think follow up now makes sense, for your peace of mind if nothing else. Your MFM will probably tell you to wait until your next appointment, but she may have you come in sooner, and there are further tests of blood flow through the placenta that can be done (I know; I've had them). Whatever you decide, keep us posted, and I'll be thinking of you.
Posted by: Casuarina at May 6, 2008 1:12:59 PM
How have I not found you before this? I clicked on the link from Broadsheet and am so glad I did! I developed HELLP with my daughter (my first and only, so far). It was a terrifying experience and I'm still not sure if we'll have another.
I'm looking forward to reading the rest of this.
Good luck with the ultrasounds. I hope everything is fine--and I certainly understand your apprehension.
Posted by: Erin at May 6, 2008 4:12:58 PM
OMG I KNOW!! When my baby died because I didn't go into the hospital and have them check on her after a day of less moving around than she normally did, (She passed the kick count so they told me to not bother coming in) my next pregnancy was all about driving in EVERY SINGLE TIME I questioned that baby's movement level. I simply could no longer tell if I was being paranoid or if it was legit. I had lost that sense of trusting my gut because my gut always said I should panick.
Not sure what to tell you - I never did relax until Jessie was born. I can say that it ended then though. Once she was safely here I didn't become crazy mom and think she was going to die all the time. I wasn't (and am not) overprotective or worried all the time. I was a little scared that I'd be in that constant state of anxiety for the rest of the baby's life but I found that not to be true. I also had found that since the medical world had failed at saving my girl in that first pregnancy, I didn't so much trust that everything was fine just because they said so.
Thankfully, you will get out from under it eventually. Once you know that baby is safely in your arms. Also, after 9 months of constant anxiety with about 6 months worth of that time constantly listening to her heart rate or having some form of ultrasound, Jessie was totally normal. Actually, she is beautiful and brilliant and charming and, you know, perfect. All that stress didn't harm her at all.
Posted by: Robyn at May 6, 2008 5:16:26 PM
I don't know which is more disturbing...the idea of Benicio del Toro in drag, or the fact that I was a tiny bit disappointed there wasn't a picture to go with it.
Posted by: jc at May 6, 2008 5:41:07 PM
Hi again - I just had to send a note of thanks to you and all the commenters for educating me on this - I had a scan today when I thought I was 10 weeks, and was told I was 8 weeks 5 days. My first thought was to panick and think of slow-growing, non-viable embryos, but then I remembered all the stuff I've learned from this post about how inexact measurements are.
So thank you all for helping lower my own freak-out level.
xo
Amanda Lynn
Posted by: Amanda Lynn at May 6, 2008 7:04:00 PM
The exact same thing happened to me, and I was anxious, as well, because my first was born about 9 weeks early from pre-e, but it was all fine in the end. Perfect little girl, 7 lbs 7 o, 37.5 weeks scheduled c-section. It was just an inaccurate scan, or more like two slightly inaccurate scans which erred in opposite directions.
Posted by: Ellen at May 6, 2008 8:33:24 PM
Here's where I stopped believing in the power of ultrasound to predict baby size:
At 37 weeks, my doctor commented that I was measuring small and sent me for an ultrasound to measure for IUGR. The ultrasound said the baby was ok, definely over 5 pounds, maybe 6. But at 39 weeks, I lost my mucous plug, thought it was my water breaking, and went to the hospital to get checked. The resident for some reason gave me an ultrasound and said, "Small baby."
The baby came out at 40 weeks. 7 pounds, 11 oz. Would you call that small?
Posted by: Carrie at May 6, 2008 10:08:53 PM
Someone probably already said this, and you probably already know it, but they can do an umbilical cord flow ultrasound to check to make sure you don't have anything impeding it. I don't know your history (I seem to recall you taking heparin?), but it's something they do if you have a blood clotting problem. I had umbilical cord flow scans done weekly from 28 weeks on.
Posted by: maggie at May 7, 2008 6:37:34 AM
If it makes you feel any better, the u/s at 27 weeks gauged my daughter to be an 8 pounder, but, when she was born a week later, she weighed a mere 6 pounds 7 oz. The ultrasounds can be really off on sizing, I've been told.
Posted by: Linda at May 7, 2008 10:13:49 AM
If it makes you feel any better, the u/s at 37 weeks gauged my daughter to be an 8 pounder, but, when she was born a week later, she weighed a mere 6 pounds 7 oz. The ultrasounds can be really off on sizing, I've been told.
Posted by: Linda at May 7, 2008 10:14:04 AM
"Finnegan's fucking Wake" - laughing my butt off rolling on the floor here :D. Hah, English major me.
It'll be fine, Julie. Prayers and good luck to you.
By the way, couldn't log into your site for nearly a month before this. Why?
Posted by: Suki at May 10, 2008 12:45:11 AM
