she's measuring small

[monch]

Just finished with my doctors appointment & he said based on my ultrasounds she's going to be small. Does this have anything to do with high blood pressure? My other girls were smaller but I didn't know that had anything to do with high blood pressure. Anyone else? He also is having me go see a specialist.. I was in shock I think because I didn't all any questions... Has anyone else had to go see a specialist when they've had high blood pressure? Ughhhh I'm so mad & confused & frustrated. Why can't I have a normal pregnancy?

[sam10]

Hi there,

Babies can measure small for different reasons, but it does not necessarily mean that it is an issue; some babies just are smaller. However, many women who have PE have babies that are smaller or whose babies have IUGR (intra-uterine-growth-restrictions). Your doctor seems very cautious and is probably requesting input from a specialist. The specialist your doctor mentioned is probably an MFM (maternal-fetal specialist), also called peri. They are specialized in all things complicated during pregnancy including PE, high blood pressure and similar.

I am currently seeing a specialist during this pregnancy due to my history of PE lats time around. I don;t even see my regular OB. It makes me feel much better, as He knows all there is to know about PE.

I am sorry that your pregnancy is complicated, it is not fun! How far along are you?

[kat82]

I'm sorry, I can totally understand your frustration. It's really hard not to have the normal, uncomplicated pregnancy you fully deserve!
I have had to have extra growth scans due to chronic hypertension increasing the risk of IUGR. I haven't had to see a specialist, though.

[monch]

I'm 22 weeks &4 days. They did an ultrasound today & said baby is measuring 10 days smaller. My doctor also upped my dosage from 100mg to 200mg twice a day of labetalol. I hope that brings superb my bp

[marilyn621]

If it makes you feel any better I was told my first was measuring small and she was 8 lbs2oz. I also have to see a specialist because of hypertension.

[hillary8l8]

My daughter measured small when I was pregnant with her. She measured 30 weeks at 31, and 33 weeks at 35. She was considered IUGR when she was born at 5 lbs 0.5 oz at 37 weeks 4 days. When my OB got a look at her when she was born, he said she was small because of my PIH. I have had to have growth scans every 4 weeks since 28 weeks this time around to check for IUGR. I'm sure many people on here know a lot more about the physiology of why blood pressure can result in IUGR babies, but my midwife gave me the explanation this time around that the blood vessels supplying nutrients to the baby and placenta sometimes don't function like they should when your BP is high. But this baby is measuring pretty large, as I'm sure many others have too, so this is not always the case.

I didn't have to see a specialist last time, or this time. I think it is just the preference of your OB. The closest specialist to me is 2 1/2 hours away, so that may be why they never sent me to a specialist. I know if they get moderate/severe cases of Pre-e or HELLP here, they transfer them to a hospital with specialists and a NICU. I can relate to your frustration of not having a normal pregnancy. I was really hoping that this one would be normal, and I would be able to go to term and go into labor on my own, but it looks like that probably isn't going to happen. It's also difficult financially because I was taken off work at 29 weeks with both. I don't think I'll be having any more babies after this...I think I've had enough:) Good luck to you!

[monch]

Thank you all. My first was 4 lbs at 36 weeks & doctor says that's probably what we're looking at for size here as well. I have my appointment with the specialist today. I'm glad you are all here or I would be A complete wreck! Thank you

[sam10]

Good luck and let us know how it goes!