Should I Ring Consultant To Clarify?

[midori1999]

I had a consultant appointment on Weds, I am seen fortnightly due to a number of complications, some of which can result in IUGR or other placental problems.

My scan at 28 weeks showed baby to weigh approx. 1400g, at 29 weeks 1600g and then at 31 weeks (this Weds) 1900g, which means baby's growth has dropped off and this was shown on the growth chart, although baby is still just a touch above the 50th centile.

I saw a registrar, although the consultant popped in to say hello and have a read of my notes. When the Reg. plotted baby's growth on the chart she said 'so that's fine', then paused a second and then repeated 'so that's fine'. I stupidly didn't query it and now wish I had.

Baby is moving fine. She has changed position to Cephalic (from breech/transverse) and I have an anterior high placenta so the movemements are different, but there are still plenty. She does tend to have more active and less active days anyway and that has been the same since I have felt movement.

My next appointment is in two weeks. I am wondering if I should ring the consultant (or her secretary) to ask about the drop in growth? I am assuming if it were a real problem they would have done something then and there. Clearly she has gained weight and a decent amount, but she was on the 75th centile before, so has dropped quite a bit. I don't want to be a pain, but I am worrying.

I would expect that as with children once they are born, the centiles are for indication. Sometimes babies can go up or down centiles with no issues. I once heard that one centile change was nothing to worry about.

However, you are worried. With good reason as I understand you have complications and (I think) history?

So make the phone call. It's one phone call. And your not a pain, you are a mum with valid concerns and worries. And it's their job to make sure you have as stress free a pg as possible.

you're not a pain doh

Ring if it is worrying you.
But I think babies are like children in that they have growth spurts at slightly different times - and those graphs are just to give an idea of 'average' growth whatever that is. If she is above 50th centile she is still above average weight for her gestational age.

But, given you have a medical condition that could impact baby's growth, I don't think you are being a pain to ask for clarification. It is difficult when in the appointments to always ask everything you want to. It is their job to explain. Maybe ring your midwife first as you are more likely to get hold of them, then try the registrar or consultant.

Thanks, I've relaxed a little now.

I don't have any contact with midwives at all, so would have no idea how to contact one! Did try consultants secretary but she was out.

I think I'll leave it for now. Baby is moving plenty and I spoke to DH who said that even though the registrar plotted 1600g on my chart last time, the measurement the scan machine came up with was actually 1545g, as he saw it, so that's more in line with the growth this time.

Still hard not to worry, not least as my other babies have been large even without the diabetes, but I think I just need to get a grip of myself!

Thankyou!