Pre-eclampsia and IUGR

[sycamore54321]

So on my second pregnancy at over 36 and a half weeks , my blood pressure has soared and baby is measuring small so they suspect pre-eclampsia and growth restriction. Current estimates has baby at just 2.1 kg ( about 4 pounds 10 I think). I've been admitted and am awaiting the results of various monitoring and will have a more detailed scan later but I'd be interested in hearing from anyone who had similar experiences. In particular, I'm concerned about the restricted growth and the possible consequences for the baby. Can you please share your experiences of IUGR? Did your baby require special care at birth? Did he or she have extra challenges in the early weeks and/or later on?

My first was born at term +6 at almost 8 pounds. I had zero health issues that time so this is all new to me. I know I am very lucky to be almost 37 weeks but it is still frightening and daunting.

Thanks for any

My DD was born at 35 weeks, weighing 1.8kg (3lb 15). She was in NICU for 2 weeks. She had prolonged jaundice, a heart murmur and some kidney issues. All of which resolved with minimal intervention. She also had some feeding issues, I believe she had an un-diagnosed lip tie. We over came those with using nipple shields to BF for 15 months! She gained weight really well.
She's now a perfectly healthy 2 and a half year old, still on the smaller side but was probably always meant to be! DH family are all short arses
Being nearly term your baby has a good chance of having few issues, despite being small. Hope all goes well for you and you're all home soon.

Thank you - I am very glad your daughter is doing so well and in perfect health after a challenging start. NICU must have been tough on all of you.

My first child also had jaundice so that at least is familiar and like you, I used nipple shields throughout my months of breastfeeding (no idea why they get such a bad rap - they utterly saved any hope of BF for me).

I'm trying to stay as positive as possible and I fully appreciate how blessed I am that I live in a time and place where highly trained people use highly advanced technology to keep me and my baby as safe as possible.

My daughter was born at 35+5,induced due to pre-eclampsia. I had growth scan day before induction as my bump had always measured small and they were concermed about IUGR. As it turns out she was 3.2kg (6lbs 10oz) and very long, she had just been wedged nicely under my hips and ribs.

I had steroid injections before induction. Induction was fine, over very quickly for me and my daughter was the picture of health. Home after 4 days but only because I needed bit extra care because of the pre-eclampsia.

Good luck!

I had pre eclampsia and IUGR. It started about 35 weeks. I was admitted to hospital with sever chest pain and vomiting. They realised then I had protein in my wee and crazy blood pressure. Then I was scanned and they said he was too small. They predicted mid 4lb. He was born at 36+3 absolutely fine and weighed 5lb 5oz. He didn't need any interventions at all. My induction took a few days and two pessaries but went like lightening once it had started!

Good luck

*severe

Oh and he had no health issues and at nearly 2 years old he's still fine (touch wood). I stayed in a few days but again that was because of my health and also because he wasn't latching properly.

My first had IUGR, I was lucky though as I always had low blood pressure, not high.
He was born at 38 + 2 I think, naturally, which was good as I was due for a scan the following day and they had told me if he hadn't grown they would start me off.
He was 5lb 7, and gained weight from his first feed. Hospital kept us in for two days to monitor feeding, all lovely apart from the stupid midwife who told me he was 'supposed' to have lost weight. As though it were a bad thing he started gaining straight away,

Thanks everyone for your answers. Plan remains unclear - they will likely wait another couple of days til I reach the official 37 weeks and then go ahead and deliver. But if my BP worsens further all might change. To be honest, I think I'd rather baby was here now if he isn't doing quite so well in there now but I do see the need to balance the risks.