Question about fetal weight

Alright so paranoid Mommy-to-be here. Everything I am reading says that a fetus should weigh about 10-11 oz at 20 weeks, well my baby is weighing over a pound already! Living my entire life obese, and my hubby being in the same boat, I am worried. Drs don't seem to be - they tell me everything is perfect and I am right on track. I am eating fairly healthfuly - granted I have my splurges - french fries, potatoes, bread etc but it is all balanced. I haven't gotten back to my pre-pregnancy weight yet (still down about 6 pounds from that). I haven't done my gestational diabetes test yet but I do get blood drawn fairly often and my blood sugars are always on the low side of normal.

Anyone remember how big their baby's were measuring at this point? I also know that there is a certain margin of error - they are going off of the baby's head size at the ultrasounds (so maybe my baby just has a big head like Daddy lol). 

I dunno - just having an emotional day and I was thinking about this. Thanks for listening to my ramblings...

Liz

Liz,
I totally understand- both of my twins are a little "heavy," but that is good at 17 weeks! I understand the worry though- I worry about my 3.5 year old daughter all the time because she is not tall but heavy for her age- but genetics are genetics, especially during pregnancy. It's better to have a healthy baby even if that means a bigger one- They lose a lot of weight once they get walking. I never worried about her being chunky until recently- so we cut out sugary drinks and that has made a difference. I just have to remind myself that she takes after her Dad's side of the family- They are Hispanic and chunky as children, but thin as adults. I am also working on keeping her on a good diet- eating healthy now that she's older and not so picky. But, in pregnancy there's not much to be done! Sorry about rambling, but I understand how stressful it is! I wouldn't worry just yet- She still has a lot of growing to do and it's mostly determined by genetics at this point- There's not a lot of fat built up yet. Better to be healthy than not when birth day comes around!

Carrie

Well, first off, sometimes those books can driver you crazy. I read them all and when I did not hit the milestones or markers they had for me, it threw me into a panic and  I would have major anxiety over it. At this point, we are looking at a difference of about 4 oz give or take which as you said could be the "miss" margin. I agree that the sono can be off as well. Emad was estimated to be almost 1.5 lbs smaller then he was at birth and that was at a sonogram done about 3 days before he was born, and early at that. They had me all freaked out and scared everytime I went telling me he was small. He was 6 lbs 7 oz at 37 weeks so I feel confident at 40 weeks he would likely have been at least 8 lbs which is not a small baby to me. I think if you are eating healthy, gaining appropriately, and all the u/s, measurements, diagnostics, etc are good you will be fine. Although we are sometimes genetically disposed to height, weight, stature kids can surprise you and be the exact opposite. It is hard with our background and I know that I always worry about what Emad eats and will he have weight issues, but, the kid is the exact opposite, a bean pole. I was too at birth and look what happened to me. LOL
I am sure your baby will be fine but do understand your worry.

Just remember the ultrasounds give you an estimate.    My BFF had an ultrasound the same day her boy was born.  They said he would only weigh a little over 5 pounds.   He weighed 7 pounds.    Hannah and Noah's weight both have been more than what the books say is "normal".   Hannah weighed a healthy 6lbs and 11 oz.    My ultrasound today showed Noah weighing in at 6lbs 3oz.  I haven't had a chance to see what the books say he should weigh at 35 weeks, but I'm sure it's less than that.

Try not to worry.  I know it's easier said than done!
Amy

Thanks Ladies - I knew if anyone would understand you would!  I am trying not to worry but well I think it comes with the territory. I am SO happy that my baby is healthy and growing away! That truely is all that matters. Besides who doesn't love to smooch up a chunky baby right? lol

Thanks again - you always do put my mind at rest. I am putting down "google" for the night!

Liz

Hi Liz,

I wouldn't worry much at this point.... although just to see I went back through my old posts and found my 20 week ultrasound post.  I didn't have a weight on there.... (sorry) but I did say taht Cooper's measurements were small -- 20 weeks on most things except his feet.  (My post is below - but the picture link doesn't work any more!) 

http://www.obesityhelp.com/forums/postop_pregnancy/3844571/M y-baby-has-big-feet/#30825202

That being said -- Cooper was born 7lbs 1oz  (1 oz away from the high risk OB's guess the day before I went into labor).  Which was fairly "average".   HOWEVER -- Cooper grew fast into the 97th percentile for weight and yes yes yes --- I have the same worries you have now.

I know I will do everything I can to make sure Cooper is active and knows how to eat healthy.  I don't want him ending up like his mommy (and his daddy is no small person either!). 

You're allowed worries!  Now take a deep breath and push the worries aside and enjoy being pregnant! 

Take Care,

Cindy

Thanks Cindy! You guys always make me feel better. Baby is squiggling away this morning which always makes me smile! I am going to enjoy every minute I can where I am the only one taking care of this little one. The minute it's born the bets are off! lol

Thanks again!

PS - my baby has big hands

The pregnancy books I have both say that around 20 weeks the baby usually weighs between 1/2 to 1 lb so it sounds right to me. It sounds to me like everything is going well.

id say baby is fine... jaylyn was weighing 1ish lbs at 22 weeks (21%)... and over 3 lbs at 29 weeks....(47%) i wouldnt worry..

OK thanks :) Glad my baby isn't the only one!