Should I be worried? HC Measurement small ***updated***

[kevinandjesse]

Hi everyone!

We just got back from our 24w+3d appointment and our midwife was reviewing the measurements from our 20w a/s. Our LO's head circumferance measurement was in the 8th percentile, but all other measurements came out spot on. She didn't seem very concerned, but concerned enough to order another ultrasound at our next 28w appointment. Should I be worried, or just be glad to be able to take another peek at our LO?

***updated***

Just had our 28w u/s (feels like it took forever) and so happy to report that everything measured out normal! head measurements were at the 24th percentile this time around. All is good Thank you all so much for all the support and advice - you really help ease our minds really really appreciate it!

[officerofthelaw]

I wish I knew how to answer this for you. I have not experienced it yet, however if your midwife wasn't too startled by it, then it is probably fine. She probably scheduled another ultrasound to see if the head has made any progress. Good luck!

[PiradicalMaid]

The percentile itself shouldn't matter, just if there is a big change in percentile (and even then it's sometimes fine). Everyone's body is built differently-- someone has to be at either end of the spectrum! So, I don't think there is anything to worry about before the next ultrasound, which will give you better information about whether or not the measurement is a concern. GL

[kh826]

So, I can relate to concern, but on the other end of the spectrum. Our son's head circumference has always been the 98th percentile (both while I was pregnant and now on the outside). At first we were worried a bit when I was pregnant, but my OB put me at ease noting that she saw no other reason for concern and there were no other indicators of any issue. Our son is now 10 months old and perfectly healthy, but with a big head

As others have said, someone has to be at the top of the percentile range, and someone has to be at the bottom. Otherwise there wouldn't be a range. Though I do understand your concern, I would say that until the ultrasound at 28 weeks there is no reason to be alarmed. If your MW had true concern, I am sure she/he would have ordered an u/s right away or referred you to a high risk OB.

Keep us posted - thinking of you! Worrying about your LO is sooooo hard, and it is the part of parenthood that starts from the moment LO is conceived and never goes away. Hugs!

[healz413]

I don't have anything to offer on this front other than good wishes and creepy internet hugs. I know it's hard not to worry, but if you can avoid worrying it's probably good to try. The MW sounds like she's on top of things and will make sure that if there is a concern everyone can address it together.

I don't know if this would be helpful, but there is a "Risky Pregnancies" board. You might see if anyone has talked about that issue there?

[mahler5]

I know when I had to do multiple ultrasounds to check size of baby in last few weeks that there was a big range of where the weight could really be. My point being that measurements from ultrasounds are not very precise a lot of the time. So I would keep in mind they could be a little off too.

I'm sure it's nothing to worry about but I know I would tend to worry about that stuff. Hope the next one puts you more at ease.

[amberreva]

I think the big thing they watch for is that the baby continues to grow. So if it is in the 8th percentile now but goes down to the 2nd percentile you may be monitored more closely but as long as baby's head continues to grow I wouldn't be to worried.

[wittyandwaiting]

No real insights to offer here but just wanted to echo PP's - if your MW isn't worried I wouldn't worry too much.

Hope the next U/S gives you some relief and it gives you another chance to see LO - hooray!

[kevinandjesse]

Thank you so much everyone! I'm going to take your advice and try not to worry (key word - try haha). Great point - someone has to be a the top of the range and someone toward the bottom. Thanks for all the love and creepy internet hugs they are always welcomed!