Small baby at 36 wks

[RustyRoller]

I am 36 wks and had a scan today as it was offered to 40 yo or older at our hospital. So far baby growth has been normal but today's scan showed small abdominal size (30th centile), short femur length (3rd centile) and low fetal weight (below 10th centile). Since last scan at 28th wk, she did grow but those three measurement seem lagging behind. Everything else including head seems normal.

Apart from early morning sickness and recent insomnia, and my age being 40, I had fairly uncomplicated pregnancy so far. First baby, non smoker, harmony test showing negligible risks, eating well and healthy, no GD, and slightly low blood pressure before and during pregnancy.

We are quite distressed about today's scan. Sonographer didn't elaborate much and referred me to see a fetal centre doctor in a couple of days.

Manic Internet search afterward shows something called IUGR. Also could it be some sort of genetic disorder?

Please don’t get worked up about a single scan. They need to do another in a couple of weeks to check for change. Did they check blood flow to / from placenta? Or make any suggestions? Did you speak to a Dr or make an appointment to do so? The vast majority of abnormalities are picked up earlier than now.

FWIW I’ve had 2 IUGR babies (2nd percentile at birth at 39 and 37 weeks) and both are totally fine. And my middle one was born at 35 weeks at 50th percentile for his gestation due to to my placenta packing up, and is also quite fine.

Thanks for the advice and sharing your experience, Utter and bonzo. Yes, I got an appointment with Dr and hopefully we get some more info.
We've been quite nervous throughout this pregnancy and I've somewhat obsessively looked up and read about things that can go wrong. It's just how I am as I want to be prepared. This wasn't something I've really thought about

My daughter was born on the 0.4th centile and she's now a lovely and chubby almost one year old. I had suspected IUGR, however she was born with no health problems and were able to go home the following day. The main thing is the blood flow to the placenta which I'm sure they will be checking for you up until birth. Also, with growth restricted babies the heads tend to be bigger in proportion to the rest of the body, however your baby's seems to be normal which is a good sign They may induce you at 37+ weeks to be on the safe side, but please try not to worry yourself.

I had so many dark days during my pregnancy thinking that there would be something wrong with my baby, when she was born it was such a relief because I knew then that she was absolutely perfect. Just on the small side! Good luck with your pregnancy OP, please try not to worry yourself. I'm sure everything is just fine

Thanks, babykoala! Good to hear your DD is doing well after IUGR! Yes, I gather I might get induced earlier than due date and have to hurry up with getting ready for the little one. I have been a bit naughty in the last couple of weeks eating loads of chocolates and fruits and slightly worried baby might get too big! Who knew!

Don't take this one scan as fact hun. I had a growth scan at 34 weeks due to preeclampsia. They said he would be at least 5lb 14oz. Was induced the next day and he was born 3lb 9oz. He was fine just a little on the small side. No other issues at all.

If your lo is born small there is so much now they can do to help. Our lo is still on high calorie formula now at nearly one but has been on the 25th centimetres since around 3 months. They catch up quick and wonder what all the fuss was about.

Thanks, @WellLetsSayHesSquare. Sounds like your son is doing really well!

We saw a specialist on Friday and his scan results were pretty similar to sonographer's. He looked at baby's brain for a long time which made us really worry but in the end he said everything seems fine apart from baby being small and I will have to give birth sometime this week. We had manic weekend of getting baby stuff sorted, hospital bags ready and lots of chores and cooking done.

Relieved to know that baby seems healthy, but now I am getting scared of getting induced or c section. I remember having convo with a doctor friend and she said definitely to go for c section if it ever arises. I know it should be done and also would be good for baby, but having never been through any surgery, I am just sooooo scared! Will do some more scan and meet with a consultant to decide the course. I hope I can overcome this fear!

Growth scans can be way out. I had pre eclampsia and suspected IUGR - the midwives and doctors had me in an absolute blind panic as they kept saying what a "small baby" DS was. A scan at 34 weeks said he was 3lbs 12oz, he was born the next day and was 5lb 0oz.

C-sections can be amazing. I've had two, one emergency and one elective and recovered quickly. It is statistically slightly safer for the baby and whilst the recovery is longer than for most vaginal births, it avoids the risks that can create long term or lifelong problems for some women who have vaginal births. I was gutted I had to have the first one at the time, but now would not choose to do it the other way if you paid me a million pounds.