Slight decrease in baby's growth and slight reduction in placenta flow..zc

[user2233]

Posting on AIBU for traffic.

Just had a growth scan at 36w5d and the sonographer has mentioned that there's a slight decrease in growth and a slight reduction in placenta flow. My pregnant is classed as high risk so I've got a consultant appointment straight after and am waiting to be seen to find out what this means as he said that the consultant would discuss it further.

Anxiously waiting (the clinic is running late) and was wondering what this means in terms of outcomes for baby? Anyone had a similar experience? TIA

I assume it means they will encourage an earlier delivery, and the alternative would be more frequent monitoring until delivery. Given you are saying slight reduction, I wouldn’t worry, that’s why you are having growth scans so they will monitor you to make sure you and baby are okay. Try not to worry!

It could mean nothing and it could mean something. But the consultant will tell you more and will have a plan of how to manage it. I’m sure baby will be fine.

I had this due to medication I was on that wasn’t recommended for pregnancy. But I needed to take it for my heart. Consultant decided at 37 week baby was full term and was better out than in so I was induced. It was all very calmly monitored and under control. No need to panic. X

I had a similar experience. Baby was on the 7th centile at 35 weeks due to the high blood pressure I'd been diagnosed with at 24 weeks- previous scans had shown she was a normal size, so the growth reduction happened quite alarmingly suddenly. I ended up developing pre-eclampsia, and doctors decided to deliver baby at 37 weeks. She was absolutely tiny (4 pounds 13 ounces- on the 0.4th centile!) and had jaundice (not requiring treatment, thankfully) but steadily gained weight. She is now almost 1 and on the 25th centile, so she has caught up very well.

If they deliver early and s/he is tiny, prepare yourself for jaundice and keep him/her warm and fed (if you are planning on breast-feeding, do formula top-ups). This was the advice my paediatrician sister gave me! Good luck OP xxx

Thanks everyone. I'll be getting included this weekend as consultants are concerned about the flow through the placenta

@KarmenPQZ what medication were you on if you don't mind me asking? Ive been taking medication too for my heart and I believe that might be the reason for this happening?

I had a similar experience. I had low Papp-A (detected at 12 week screening) so I had extra growth scans as this can cause problems with the placenta later on. My scan at 36 weeks showed slower growth rate and decreased blood flow from the placenta. I was induced the day after, had a very straightforward birth and no issues after. He's now a very healthy and happy 3 year old!