3rd Trimester Sonogram & The (Assumed) Infallibility of Obstetricians and Lab Results

About three weeks ago, we had our third trimester sonogram for Holly. Among other things, the doctors use the third trimester sonogram to confirm their estimated delivery date (EDD) for the baby and to verify that (a) the baby is growing properly (or, as I understand it, according to the pattern that is typically observed in the population), (b) the amniotic fluid volume is sufficient to support further growth, and (c) the placenta appears normal and has not implanted at a place that would preclude natural delivery of the baby.

The results from the sonogram suggested that Holly is 2 weeks smaller than expected from her calculated gestational age. Naturally, the OB (who is trained to see pathologies, even where none exist) took this in one of the worst possible ways and suggested that my placenta may not be working properly. Note: the alternative explanations are that (a) the OB's EDD is wrong (wait - "OB" and "wrong" in the same sentence - but that's blasphemy!), (b) the fetus is perfectly normal but just smaller than typical (but that would imply that a degree of deviation from the norm is perfectly normal... weird!), (c) the ultrasound technician did a poor job with the measurements (perhaps due to being distracted or unmotivated that day; hey, it happens!), (d) the measurements are within the normal range of error and therefore normal (note: the ultrasound error rate for calculating gestational age is 2-4 weeks), or (e) there is a developmental abnormality in the fetus. 

Per our doctor's insistence, we scheduled a follow-up sonogram for Holly, to allow the doctors to confirm and have peace of mind that she is in fact growing at an acceptable rate. They plan to do this by comparing the two sets of measurements. The follow-up sonogram is this afternoon. 

I think that my little girl is already very smart. She heard the re-test was coming and decided to have a nice big growth spurt for the doctors over the weekend. I can tell because my baby bump grew into a baby mountain and I am now feeling her movements much more strongly, which suggests to me that she is crowding out the available space and no longer floating suspended in the middle of the amniotic fluid. 

Attagirl!

If she's anything like her mother, she'll shoot the ultrasound technician a smug look at her re-test. :)