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

Question

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.

Answer 1

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.