Growth of Twins Question

I've just recently discovered this site and I'm hopeful that someone can answer my question about the growth of my babies.

I am 31 weeks, 2 days pregnant with di-di twin boys. I go every week for ultrasounds (every two weeks is a growth assessment ultrasound). Two weeks ago, Baby A weighed in at 3 lbs, 5 oz and Baby B weighed 3 lbs, 2 oz. Today, Baby A weighed 3 lbs, 13 oz and Baby B weighed 4 lbs, 9 oz. They have always been within 3 oz of each other in growth, so now I'm worried (admittedly, I worry about EVERYTHING right now with these little guys).

I do have gestational diabetes that was diagnosed very early on in my pregnancy (due to a history of G.D.).

In others experience, do these numbers look normal? I know that they sort of take turns having growth spurts, but the numbers look so different to me! Any help would certainly be appreciated

thank you! Shana

 

Hi Shana!

I'm pregnant with fraternal twins and am at 32weeks +1 day. I asked my OB the same questions about weights b/c I have read that a lot of the women in the states are posting their babies weights. In canada, they don't estimate in utero weights b/c they are not precise at all!!! Apparently, they don't correlate with actualy birth weights that well. My OB measured the head circumference of both my babes at 31 weeks and they were ahead of schedule and looking good. In any case, I know what it's like to worry but try not to. Just wanted to make you feel better.

Good luck

 

My boys jumped around with the estimates and were usually 8 ounces to a pound apart. Sometimes Baby I was bigger, sometimes it was Baby B. The week before they were born their estimates were 4 pounds 2 ounces and 5 pounds even. When they were born they were 6 pounds 8 ounces and 6 pounds 12 ounces which we found was pretty funny considering they were always quite a bit apart on the growth scans.

 

Growth scans can be off. Sometimes by a lot. My girls were measured 5lbs 7oz and 6lbs 14oz and were born 5lbs 7ox (right on) and 6lbs even 12 hours after the scan. It's just an estimate. I wouldn't get worried unless your OB is worried. Always ask your OB if you are concerned

 

I think your OB will let you know if there is anything to worry about. However, i agree, these are just estimates. Up until the day I delivered I was told that my babies were too small..only weighing right at 3 lbs. They ended up being almost 6 lbs a piece...the scans were off. So, keep in mind that although the scans do gives estimates, that is all they are and your OB or peri will let you know if it is something that you should be concerned about. Good luck!

 

I agree with pp's. At our last u/s (30 weeks) they were both estimated at 4lbs each, which was bigger than I expected, the tech reminded me that there is a 1 lb swing either way (pretty big gap in an estimate) Did they tell you how far along they were measuring? I think as long as they are measuring close, that's what really matters. And if your doctor isn't worried I would try not to worry...I know it's easier said than done.

 

I've also been told that the weight estimates from ultrasounds can be off by at least +/- 16 oz.

 

I didn't realize how much the growth estimates could be off! I actually just saw my ob/gyn at 4:30 and she said she is not worried at all She said the babies look great and that they are practicing breathing and everything. What a relief!

They never tell me how far along they are measuring,just the weights - I'm going to have to start asking!

Thank you to everyone for all of the info!

 

Your OB / Peri should be tracking the changes in weights for each baby and their rate. This will help them determine if there's an issue with a smaller baby. I'm currently going through this with di/di boys and at 34 weeks my baby A dropped to the 10th percentile for growth.

However it's much more common with frats to see a variance in size, and it doesn't always mean a problem. As long as the babies are doing well otherwise, they may be just fine. Don't be afraid to ask your OB if they are tracking this weight change... and what it means.

Best wishes!

 

That sounds pretty good to me, even though there is a difference. It's pretty likely that baby B is off, because that's quite a big jump for just 2 weeks! Mine gained about a pound a week and were 4lbs5oz and 4lbs6oz at 30 weeks which was about 2 weeks ahead. My u/s turned out to be right though ... they consistently measured larger and were born close to 8lbs a piece at 38 weeks.