Fetal Growth Percentile Reduced

[walkers87]

Hi all,

Just looking for a bit of reassurance more than anything. First time mum feeling a bit anxious, and feels good to write this down and just vent into the ether!

I'm consultant led and having growth scans, I'm currently 33 weeks and went for a scan yesterday my baby had dropped from just under 90th percentile (at 28 weeks) to the 50th percentile. Going back for another scan next week. Also have to go and get my BP checked by community midwife (who I feel is a bit pants, doesn't seem to take much interest in me as I'm consultant led just tells me to read info in the notes as opposed to discussing things).

Has anyone else experienced anything similar? I'm aware that the scans can be inaccurate head and abdominal measurements were on the right line in terms of growth - but not the femur however she said this measurement on it's own was not significant (I also have short legs - Quite clearly got that from me!) .

We also discussed movements and how it was vital I come in if any change. So now am sat here worrying even though I know he isn't a big mover in the day - more evening & night. It's also not uncommon for him to have a quieter day - particularly if I have been rather busy in the days leading up - happened at Christmas (where I went and got monitored all was well) and again Monday/Tuesday after having a busy Fri/Sat.

I'm generally not worried he is having a thud around in there as I type but I just feel hyper alert and anxious about 'what is normal' - which I know differs for everyone.

I'm in the same boat - had estimated growth centile reduced from 90th to around 30th by scans 3 weeks apart. They weren't too concerned though as they said these things are not overly accurate and everything else looked good. I have another her scan on Monday to double-check things so I guess they might be more worried if it drops again at that point.

My lo has just dropped to 2nd centile from 5th centile. His growth and weight has steadily reduced since dec 5th. Am having section on friday as will b 37 weeks then.

In my first pregnancy I had this, I measured small with the midwife at every appointment and had several growth scans. The scans found that baby was estimated on the 75th centile and told to expect a 9lb baby. When baby arrived she was 6lb 3oz and on the 11th centile. The scans showed my placenta was working well and at every single one the midwife told me how inaccurate they are (the day before I gave birth the scan reckoned she was estimated at 7lb+ which was obvs way off!). I'm fairly petite and my partner is tall but very slim so I think we're just destined to have petite babies (currently pregnant with no2 and measuring consistently "small" again)
Try not to worry, if you're having regular scans the hospital will let you know if there are any issues but really the scans are just massively inaccurate, especially as you get closer to your due date and the baby moves into the pelvis.
Best of luck for a healthy and safe delivery!

My baby was also in a similar situation, dropping and while growing consistently, the growth was a lot slower than expected, and was also monitored a few times for reduced movement. The doctor said that my placenta may not have been providing him with enough nutrients, and this could have made baby 'hibernate' and move less to conserve energy. I was worrying so much until the birth because of that!
ALl the best, fingers crossed for you :)