Why is my 38-week-old baby showing signs of 36 weeks' growth?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I am 38 weeks pregnant (38 weeks and 2 days). I took an ultrasound today.

My report shows:

Biparietal diameter 8.93 cm (36 weeks 1 day), head circumference 32.17 cm (36 weeks 2 days), abdominal circumference 31.65 cm (35 weeks 4 days), femoral length 6.98 cm (35 weeks 6 days), average age of gestation based on today's scan: 36 weeks, and estimated fetal weight: 2765 grams.

I just want to ask if I need to be worried, as my doctor said the baby is small. Is there any problem for the baby because I am 38 weeks 2 days now, but based on my ultrasound, the baby is 36 weeks.

Please assist.

Thank you.

Answered by Dr. Sameer Kumar

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Sameer Kumar is a highly qualified Obstetrician and Gynecologist and Infertility specialist with more than two decades of clinical experience. He has completed his postgraduate training in Obstetrics and Gynecology and also specializes in infertility management. Dr. Kumar is dedicated to women’s health, offering expert care in pregnancy, reproductive health, and fertility treatments. His patient-centered approach combines medical expertise with compassionate support to ensure the best outcomes for his patients. Note: If you don't want go opt for IVF and spend lakhs, then you must contact me as i specialize in medical infertility treatment for both male and female. Results have been really encouraging and statistics speak for itself, about 2000 couples helped and avoided IVF.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

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Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

The growth of the child is two weeks smaller for 38 weeks, but corresponding to its ultrasound age, the weight of the baby is fine. There is a likelihood that you may have had an irregularity in your menses earlier, and your ovulation may have been delayed and leading to late conception. However, best would be best to undertake a biophysical profile and an umbilical artery doppler, MCA Doppler studies (middle cerebral artery) to look for the cause of decreased supply to the fetus (if at all).

If these parameters are normal, then your dates are probably wrong or you have had delayed ovulation and fertilization because the fetus would then be considered growing, and pregnancy can be continued and followed up with serial ultrasounds.

But nevertheless, even if dates are not good, it is still advisable that one should go with your dates as at 38 weeks and deliver the child by 41 weeks, considering the child has matured and the average fetal weight is also good.

I hope this helps.

Please let me know if I can assist you further.

Thank you.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Vinodhini J.
Published At February 20, 2020
Reviewed At August 6, 2025

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Sameer Kumar is a highly qualified Obstetrician and Gynecologist and Infertility specialist with more than two decades of clinical experience. He has completed his postgraduate training in Obstetrics and Gynecology and also specializes in infertility management. Dr. Kumar is dedicated to women’s health, offering expert care in pregnancy, reproductive health, and fertility treatments. His patient-centered approach combines medical expertise with compassionate support to ensure the best outcomes for his patients. Note: If you don't want go opt for IVF and spend lakhs, then you must contact me as i specialize in medical infertility treatment for both male and female. Results have been really encouraging and statistics speak for itself, about 2000 couples helped and avoided IVF.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Consult other doctors in the same speciality

Education:

BDS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Vinodhini J. is a Dental Surgeon with extensive years of clinical experience. She specializes in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of dental and oral health issues, including restorative, surgical, and cosmetic procedures. With a patient-centered approach, she focuses on maintaining oral health, alleviating discomfort, and enhancing smiles. Her expertise ensures comprehensive care tailored to each patient’s dental needs and overall wellbeing.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Consult other doctors in the same speciality

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Sameer Kumar
Dr. Sameer Kumar

Obstetrics and Gynecology

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Sameer Kumar is a highly qualified Obstetrician and Gynecologist and Infertility specialist with more than two decades of clinical experience. He has completed his postgraduate training in Obstetrics and Gynecology and also specializes in infertility management. Dr. Kumar is dedicated to women’s health, offering expert care in pregnancy, reproductive health, and fertility treatments. His patient-centered approach combines medical expertise with compassionate support to ensure the best outcomes for his patients. Note: If you don't want go opt for IVF and spend lakhs, then you must contact me as i specialize in medical infertility treatment for both male and female. Results have been really encouraging and statistics speak for itself, about 2000 couples helped and avoided IVF.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Consult other doctors in the same speciality
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