Being induced this week as baby measuring too small - worried

[Mouserama]

I'm 39 weeks pregnant - first baby. I've been measuring a week small throughout the whole pregnancy. At my 38 week appt, this became two weeks small and went for a checkup today and measuring 3 weeks small (ie baby hasn't grown). Referred for growth scan today, and baby is measuring small (10th centile, estimated weight 5.5lb). They want to induce me on Thursday as are worried about babies slowed rate of growth. I looked at my notes this eve, and it also shows that the amniotic fluid is low too (range was 7.2 to 22, my reading was 7.4 - so although still within range, it is at the very low end of normal). The consultant didn't mention this at the time though.

Has anyone else experienced similar? I'm getting myself a bit stressed and worked up, which isn't going to do me or DC any good!

TIA

Haven't experienced it but if they do induce you on Thursday then you can look forward to seeing your lovely new Lo

Can understand why you are upset but I'm sure the baby is fine. Just take it easy, put your feet up and count your kicks

Baby isn't too early anyway, my DS arrived at 38+1.

Hi had a friend whose baby stopped growing. Best to get baby out but don't worry. Why u have regular midwife apps. Her baby was about 5 lbs but got so much going for it at that weight. My friends baby had a few issues re reflux but not much else. You r almost term.

Hi, I had exactly the same thing with my baby. Don't worry tho all will be fine.
I had to go for growth scans every week to check his growth, he was measuring small and wasn't progressing how they liked so they wanted me to be induced. My waters were a little low too. I actually refused the first induction because I wanted to get to my due date (which was only a week away). In hindsight I probably should have let them induce earlier but I had firm views that I didn't want to do that. I went past my due date by a week and was scheduled in to be induced again. I went into labour on my day of induction haha very lucky.

He was a small baby only 5lb 7, I had to stay in hospital for five days afterwards so they could make sure he was gaining weight. He was absolutely fine, despite his size he was very strong and very alert, he soon filled out quickly.

Don't stress, I felt worried too but it all turned out great. Be prepared for them to keep you in hospital if your baby is under 5lb 8 though. You'll be fine, and meeting your little baby very soon

Good luck

I gave birth naturally (well with all the drugs available) at 38+2 and dd was 5 12lb. All was fine. Don't have any experience of a sweep unfortunately but we were monitored constantly throughout the labour and she's a healthy almost 3 year old now.

Good luck.

Thanks everyone for your comments, they have really helped. It's hard not to worry, but at least I know that my little one will be here soon.

And thanks Riders - it hadn't crossed my mind that they might keep us in if little one is too small - knowing that that might be the case means I can mentally prepare for it now (and can make sure DH is geared up to bring in extra supplies into hospital if needed )

If your hospital is anything like ours take plenty of food. When I packed my bag the last time I also packed a menu from a decent local takeaway and put a plate, knife & fork etc in the car, just in case they kept me in. And some people say I'm greedy, can you believe that?

My small for dates, low amniotic fluid DD1 was 6lb 2oz and is now a strapping 5'6" fifteen yearold.

She had far lower fluid levels than the normal range, lots of monitoring and lots of scans. She was due to be induced at 39 weeks.

DH and I decided to have sex the night before and I went into labour naturally

I'm certain DD1 knew it was the right time, she hung on until she wasn't growing at all and then agreed with the consultant and me it was time to come out.

I'm certain DD2 (6lb5oz) was also small for dates (she appeared three days early, perfectly naturally), but I had a planned home birth with very laid back MWs who didn't measure and didn't worry.

I didn't worry either, I'd instinctively known DD1 was fine. I was certain DD2 knew what she was doing too.

Good luck for tomorrow Mouse. May your delivery be short and un eventful

Good luck from me too

i measured small for my pregnancy, had to have weekly growth scans, low amniotic fluid etc. i carried very low, I think that contributed to the small measurements by the midwife.
i went into labour at 37 weeks and had a c section as she was breech. she was 4 lb 12 and we had to stay in to have her sugar levels tested every hour. all was well, it seemed a matter of routine, but i agree with taking in some food- was awful!
good luck!