Any experience of babies being induced at 34/35 weeks due to lack of growth

[TeaPleaseLouise]

There's a slight chance that at my next growth scan they'll start thinking about getting the baby out if the growth hasn't improved.

I'm struggling to find information on what's likely to happen if the baby is born then. Some sites say just steroids will be given other sites say the baby will be in intensive care. When I asked in hospital they said they'd need to see closer to the time and couldn't give me a definite answer but I just want a rough idea so I can prepare and plan what to do for other DC ect.

Hopefully this is all academic, if the growth doesn't drop below the 10th percentile they'll let me continue but if anyone has been though it I'd really appreciate knowing what is likely to happen.

Steroids would be given if they think that you will be having the baby early as it helps with lung function.

My DD came at 35+6 days weighing 4 pound 5 ounces, but didn't need to be in intensive care, so it's hard to say what will or won't need to be done.

Fingers crossed for your next growth scan.

Thanks Kpo!

I was induced as I had oligohydramnios (too little fluid) and baby wasn't growing over a period of weeks. I was induced at 34+4 But it took so long she arrived at 35 weeks. They had predicted she would be 3lb3oz and she was 4lb12oz. We did have the steroid injections and she breathed fine and needed no help. She was treated for infection with antibiotics due to the fluid situation. We were able to stay on a ward together and she had phototherapy repeatedly due to jaundice and didn't get feeding and was tube fed for 2.5 weeks which I think is quite long for a 35 weeker. She did end up staying in scbu for a few days as feeding got no better but as soon as she got it we came home. She is now 3 and totally healthy.

I went into labour spontaneously but had IUGR and had been having scans. DS was born at 35weeks and 4lb10. We didn’t have time for the steroid injection, but he was in good shape and didnt need to go to NICU. We were in hosp for a week. Issues with jaundice and feeding, but nothing critical. He has ongoing respiratory issues which may have been mitigated by getting the steroid injection, though DH and I both have asthma so he was a bit doomed tbh!

I think there’s lots of variation, but obviously they’ll only induce if they think your baby is better out than in. you can do things like have a tour of Nicu, but that’s not always reassuring.

Good luck with your next scan.

Thanks Gizmo and Life

I know it's sort of one of the how long is a bit of string questions but it's good to hear from people who've been there

Might not bother you, but you may want to ask your consultant for the hospitals stats on rates of instrumental birth or c-section following induction at that gestation? As the baby poss wont be fully engaged etc. Induction may be tough on you, and you may prefer a c section.

Good luck

Thank you good points and I hadn't thought of that...