37 weeks pregnant and a scan shows the baby is under 6 lbs.

[rajj]

I had a scan today which showed the baby is underweight according to my chart. The doctor wants of to be induced but I dont understand why. Is there not anything I can do to allow the baby to gain weight?

An underweight baby can be a sign that the placenta isn't functioning as it should which is why the doctors will want to induce you invade it fails and your baby looses its oxygen supply. Ask them to explain their reasons if they haven't. I don't know if there's anything you can do to get baby to put more weight on but if I was you I would listen to the doctors they have your baby's best interests at heart. All the best with whatever you decide to do

Don't panic! Scans are notoriously inaccurate at judging weight. They can be a lb out either way. And at 37 weeks, 6lbs would be absolutely fine wouldn't it? My dd3 was decreed to be 5lbs tops at 38 weeks (we'd had 2 weekly scans from 20 weeks due to a perceived problem with her growth- each scan supported the previous- they were all wrong. The only accurate scan we got was when we demanded that the GP refer us to the Harris Birthright centre at Kings College Hospital in London. They couldn't even work out why we were there). She came at 42 weeks weighing 7lbs 9oz.

Have you had a doppler blood flow scan to check the placenta is still working properly. As long as the cord and placenta are working properly, your baby will continue growing at his/her own rate. Are you anywhere near London to get to Prof Nicolaides' unit for a good scan?

*incase (autocorrect)

I was induced just over 37 weeks due to doctors thinking baby was under 6lb, I'd had 3 scans over the course of a week before the consultant decided I be induced... I agreed as I felt comforted by the consultant and he seemed confident by he's decision, all went well and my DD was actually born 6lb 11oz... I remember the consultant telling me they can do more for the baby once it's born so try not to worry and stress.
HTH
Good luck with it all

It could indicate there Is a problem with placental functioning .
They may suspect PE/ A congenital abnormality / or you may have had an undetected virus causing growth retardation .
They will only induce a baby early if they absolutely have to : ie if there is risk to you or the baby - IME , listen to them.

They told me DD would be huge - at least 10lb and talked to me about a c-section. I had growth scan after growth scan and 2 diabetes tests.

She was 7lb 10oz. They arent always accurate.

Pay no heed.

DD was scanned at 4lbs.

Induced.

7lb 11

Don't worry too much

I was told to expect a small baby. He was barely under 10lbs and two weeks early.

I had one that was less than 6 lbs at 40 weeks! And another who was 4lbs at 35 weeks. Scans were accurate in my case, but both dcs absolutely fine, just a bit skinny.

I had the opposite.... I was scanned and let to believe I was carrying a little elephant. Baby was induced (due to pre-eclampsia, not size) and born 5 days early, weighing 'only' 8lb 4oz.

In fact the 4lb one is very slightly chubby

now at 11 yo!

I went into labour at 36 weeks and DD was born 4lbs 13.5oz and was perfectly healthy.

I had my bump scanned a couple of weeks ago and they told me that baby seems to be on the small side (which they've been expecting due to DD's size) but 5 minutes later they were telling me baby's got a bigger than average stomach for the weeks I am lol

These 'weight guess' scans are notorious for being wrong! As they are just guesses. I've heard so many stories like that and the baby's weight was totally different!

It is of course possible that the placenta is no longer doing such a good job, in which case better out than in, I'd follow the doctors orders but not panic at all. And take no notice of comments about abnormalities or retardation, there is no evidence of that whatsoever, some people just have their own agendas.

Take care and good luck. x

Another to say scans are very inaccurate...Monday afternoon scan said DS9-10lbs, Tuesday afternoon DS arrives, 7lb 1oz!

Hope all goes well for you OP.

Don't worry, even if baby is born at 6lbs that is still a good weight. I had an elcs at 38 weeks and baby girl was 5lbs3, tiny but perfect.

Don't panic, as it could be totally inaccurate.

BUT

Don't take a chance.

Insist on a scan to check placental blood flow and placental function before you agree to induction, and say that until that is done, and you have had a detailed consultation with the doc as to why they want to induce, you won't simply consent to induction as you know growth scans can be wildly inaccurate. And ask for this to be done ASAP, because if the pacenta isn't working properly then you need to take action.

agree with Poldark - insist on a blood flow scan and function.

you need all the facts of their reasons - small baby isn't a good reason, but why the baby is small needs to be looked into.