View Full Version : Why ultrasound at week 38?
jsherwood
Oct 15, 2011, 10:21 AM
Baby due Oct 27th, had an ultrasound on October 4. Baby weighs about 5.9. Doctor called yesterday (Oct. 14) and wants to do ultrasounds at every visit, is concerned about baby's weight. Why would this be such a concern?
DoulaLC
Oct 15, 2011, 04:52 PM
I'm not sure why as 5.9 at about 37 weeks is not an unusual weight. It is important to keep in mind, as well, that determining baby's weight with the use of ultrasound is not an exact science, especially in the last weeks of pregnancy when it's use for sizing becomes even less accurate.
Has there been any previous mention of concern prior to the last phone call? Anything mentioned at any of your visits? Have you had a scan done within a few weeks before the one on October 4 to be used for comparison? Adding: Do you have any health concerns yourself?
I would ask your doctor to share his/her concerns with you so that you can feel comfortable with what is being suggested.
J_9
Oct 15, 2011, 08:58 PM
It may be due to a decrease in amniotoc fluid. This would account for a smaller baby. Or your doctor may be doing what is called a BPP (biophysical profile) to make sure that the baby is progressing normally these last few weeks.