Why Would Baby be Behind 2 Weeks?
QUESTION
Dear Midwife,
After 4 ultrasounds I am still confused as to why my Doctor cannot explain to me what is happening...Maybe I don't understand.
My Doctor states that I am measuring at 28 weeks but the measurements retrieved from the ultrasounds show my baby is 2 weeks behind schedule on it's growth. She states it's nothing serious to worry about. Baby is growing at an average rate. It is simply 2 weeks behind.
What would cause this? And should I worry?
ANSWER
If your baby is always two weeks behind, but it grows 4 weeks worth in 4 weeks, then either you ovulated later than you thought or this baby is genetically a bit smaller than average.
Either way, no worries, but you might not want to get induced; it might be best to let Mother Nature choose when this baby is really ready to be born.
-- Cynthia, CNM. PhD.
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Cynthia Flynn
Cynthia Flynn, CNM. PhD, teaches in the College of Nursing at Seattle University and is President of the American Association of Birth Centers. She also practices midwifery at Valley Medical Center where she cares for pregnant and birthing women, and practices well-woman gynecology, family planning, and treatment of sexually transmitted diseases.
Cynthia founded Columbia Women's Clinic and Birth Center, where she took care of pregnant women and infants up to two weeks of age and attended both birth center and hospital births. Before Cynthia earned her CNM, she worked as a registered nurse in labor and delivery and postpartum and is a certified Doula and Doula trainer.
Cynthia hosts a monthly "Ask the midwife" chat as well as answers questions via our expert section.
Listen to Cynthia live on Pregnancy.org Live: Before, During and After.
