baby measuring small, possible induction

[HappyBump]

Hi
My doctor has scheduled me in for another scan next week to take further measurements as she feels my baby is measuring a bit on the small side. I am currently 36 weeks. The measurement at 34 weeks was 1.9kg or 4lbs2oz. I have put on weight and generally feel bigger so I am hoping it will all be okay.

She mentioned the possibility of an induction because she would rather get out a small healthy baby than wait for possible complications. She says that this would not mean a c-section, she knows and supports my decision wanting to have a natural birth as long as its safe.

Has anyone else had this experience of a baby being measured small?

hopefully this thread will be relevent:
www.mumsnet.com/Talk/1365/410782

Hi HappyBump. I had exactly this and was induced at 37 weeks which to cut a long story short did lead to a c-sec. They did try everything else first but I was just not ready to go into labour (I suspect my dates were a little out and given that my mum went over on all 3 of her pgs I think naturally I would have done anyway). I did have to have constant monitoring though during induction and one of the midwives was very strict about not moving too much so this probably didn't help !

DD had stopped growing before they did anything after many weeks of careful monitoring. ONce she was out (weight 4 lbs 9 oz) she thrived and never looked back - no problems other than the fact she wouldn't/couldn't bf. She has always done everything at the right times, sometimes even early so has not effected her at all and she is 3 in January.

Ask any questions you want - I am in a bit of a rush at the mo and not around this evening but can post more tomorrow if you'd like.

Good luck - and rest assured the fact they've picked it up is great and they will do what is best. You are already 36 weeks so you should be absolutely fine.

Thank you, the thread was really helpful, I am going to look through the links as well. That should keep me busy for a while!!

Hi Wheelybug,

Thank you for your message and for sharing your experience.

My doctor mentioned if I were to be induced I would have to be monitored, I was hoping that would mean that I would be able to move around still.

I am curious as to why she was unable to breastfeed. Was that size related?

Of course, at the moment, until I have the next scan (which will be 3 weeks from the last one) I won't know if the baby has grown enough or not. I feel bigger. Hopefully, its baby and not water retention or cake!

We have a history of small babies in our family and on the dad's side as well - it seems that baby birth weight has nothing to do with adult size given everyone is on the tall side! I was hoping that a smaller baby (but not tooo small) would be easier for a natural birth (LOL).

Thanks again, hope you have a nice evening

Happybump - I don't know if the failure to bf was to do with size or gestation age or she may have had a slight tongue tie (apparently) or, given the child she has become, it could have just been sheer bloody mindedness .

On the monitoring front - I think monitoring has got a bit better in the 3 years since having dd from what I hear from friends - more mobility etc.

Is the hospital aware of your family history ? DH and I are both small and so the hospital was very careful to make sure it was a growth restriction and not just genetics. Apparently babies put on more weight in the last few weeks than at any other time - I'm sure half a lb a week so at 4lbs 3 oz at 34 weeks you could still produce a 6 or 7 lber in the end ! There have been so many threads I have answered where when the baby pops out they are a good weight. Good luck - keep us posted.

hi Wheelbug,

I just wanted to give you an update since you were kind enough to take the time to respond to my email.

I had another scan today and it seems that we are back on-track size wise, hurrah! The baby is about 6lbs now which is a very respectable weight (IMHO) for 37+ weeks.

The doctor seems very happy. Now we are all hoping I don't grow much more! (LOL)

Thanks again!

Great news Happybump - look forward to reading your birth announcement ! Hope all goes well.