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Is Small Circumference Of The Head In A 20 Weeks Fetus A Concern?
Question: I had a daughter who was born with a head circumference smaller than the usual. We went through the whole pregnancy with extremely low amniotic fluid and she was delivered via c section at 32 weeks weighing 1.22kg. she had an MRI which came back clear, chromosomes tests were clear and she is now nearly 5kg at 9 months(minus 2 to correct her age) which is still small obviously but shes getting there. Her head is smaller than other babies but doesnt look disproportionate. I wanted to let you know about the first pregnancy to give you a clear picture. Anyway my wife is pregnant again and at the 20 week scan head measurements show the circumference to be 2 weeks(approx) behind. The scan showed no other problems so brain looks normal, limbs and organs all fine, good heart beat and placenta working fine and on this occasion the amniotic fluid is totally normal. They are referring us to genetics now.
What is your prognosis? Can a head size catch up? are they referring us to genetics because of previous with my daughter? I have read so many cases online about the head size, abdominal size or fetal length not being right but then catching up. in some cases doctors dnt even say anything.
What is your prognosis? Can a head size catch up? are they referring us to genetics because of previous with my daughter? I have read so many cases online about the head size, abdominal size or fetal length not being right but then catching up. in some cases doctors dnt even say anything.
Brief Answer:
There is really nothing to be worried about!
Detailed Answer:
Hi and thank you so much for this query.
I am so sorry to hear about this early pregnancy and all the inconveniences this has caused you. I do understand perfectly that this is a worry to you but your baby is doing just fine. Her parameters are certainly okay for her age and she will definitely catch up as she grows older. You are not being referred to do a genetic test because of this previous experience. This is almost a routine these days and you should worry. This is simply to make sure that all is well and there is no potentially threatening condition that is being ignored. Ultrasounds are never exact a a difference of about two weeks is just okay and there is no reason to be too worried about it. Just keep up and follow through with care and am sure you would be happy with a healthy and bouncing baby!
I hope this helps. I wish you well. Feel free to ask for more information and clarifications if need be. Above all, thanks for using our services.
There is really nothing to be worried about!
Detailed Answer:
Hi and thank you so much for this query.
I am so sorry to hear about this early pregnancy and all the inconveniences this has caused you. I do understand perfectly that this is a worry to you but your baby is doing just fine. Her parameters are certainly okay for her age and she will definitely catch up as she grows older. You are not being referred to do a genetic test because of this previous experience. This is almost a routine these days and you should worry. This is simply to make sure that all is well and there is no potentially threatening condition that is being ignored. Ultrasounds are never exact a a difference of about two weeks is just okay and there is no reason to be too worried about it. Just keep up and follow through with care and am sure you would be happy with a healthy and bouncing baby!
I hope this helps. I wish you well. Feel free to ask for more information and clarifications if need be. Above all, thanks for using our services.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Hi, thank you for the response and yes, it is a little reassuring however, you didn't answer a couple of specific questions such the head catching up. Is 2 weeks behind a massive difference? Can it catch up as I've read?
Brief Answer:
Yes, it can catch up!
Detailed Answer:
Hi and thanks for following up with me.
1. 2weeks is the interval of normal range. There is nothing to be worried about. These are measurements done by humans with a margin of variation and 2weeks is well within this margin. This means that for a 22weeks pregnancy, a doctor who reports anywhere from 20-24 as the obtained value is okay.
2. Catching up is progressive, I have personally seen children catch up and a majority of them. All it takes it time but that is not unheard of.
Let me know if this addresses your questions fully.
Yes, it can catch up!
Detailed Answer:
Hi and thanks for following up with me.
1. 2weeks is the interval of normal range. There is nothing to be worried about. These are measurements done by humans with a margin of variation and 2weeks is well within this margin. This means that for a 22weeks pregnancy, a doctor who reports anywhere from 20-24 as the obtained value is okay.
2. Catching up is progressive, I have personally seen children catch up and a majority of them. All it takes it time but that is not unheard of.
Let me know if this addresses your questions fully.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
hi,
thank you again.
finally, when measuring up to charts and when percentile charts are looked at, do they take in account that asian babies/indian babies are generally smaller?
finally, my daughter at 9 months(7 months corrected age due to prematurity) is just over 10lbs and her head circumference is 35cm. what would your opinion be on that?
thank you again.
finally, when measuring up to charts and when percentile charts are looked at, do they take in account that asian babies/indian babies are generally smaller?
finally, my daughter at 9 months(7 months corrected age due to prematurity) is just over 10lbs and her head circumference is 35cm. what would your opinion be on that?
Brief Answer:
She lags behind, but too early for her to have caught up with others!
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Context specific babies at times are not necessarily factored into the manufacturing of these babies. Your doctors should look into that to see what ties to the Asian population.
Your babies circumferences is smaller than compared to her peers. However, at 9months, no one expects her to have caught up. What matters most is teh continued increase and she will catch up along the line.
I wish you well.
She lags behind, but too early for her to have caught up with others!
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Context specific babies at times are not necessarily factored into the manufacturing of these babies. Your doctors should look into that to see what ties to the Asian population.
Your babies circumferences is smaller than compared to her peers. However, at 9months, no one expects her to have caught up. What matters most is teh continued increase and she will catch up along the line.
I wish you well.
Note: For detailed guidance on genetic screening consult a genetics specialist
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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