IUGR- 6weeks small

[JW1226]

Hi everyone,

I'm worried sick 😓 I'm 37plus5 days
I had a consultant appointment today and mesuring 6weeks behind I have to have a ctg twice weekly and a doopler scan in ten days time I'm petrified I've been under immense stress and also anaemic which has been untreated until today!

Has anyone experienced this? This is my 3rd baby and this has been the most painful pregnancy and I was so much bigger with my last two children.

I'm worried that ten days time to check blood flow is too long to wait!
Also how does the ctg work? I've been in before for reduced movements however I'm wondering what they are checking for, isit the same process hook me up press the button when I feel movement and if the criteria is met I can go home and wait to go into labour naturally ?

I need him in my arms so badly so I know he's safe and well I just want to feed my baby I'm worried sick.

Thankyou for listening x

Sorry you’re going through this.

My DD1 had IUGR although it wasn’t picked up until the very end as she was measuring quite average. She weighed just 5lb 7oz when born at 40+5 but was perfectly healthy otherwise and is now a chunky 3.5 yo. I did end up having a CS though as I was induced as they said it would be risky to let me go further overdue. She got distressed though before I’d even had a single contraction. Apparently it’s common for babies with IUGR to struggle in labour, but if you’re being monitored throughout they will get them out at the first sign of a problem.

DD2 had suspected IUGR and there was talk of delivering her early when I was 34w and I was going for CTGs and a Doppler every 2 weeks. The CTG is just the same as the one you would have usually. They also do an ultrasound / Doppler where they can check the blood flow through the placenta. I guess this is what you’re having in 10 days. On the one hand it seems strange you have to wait so long, but on the other the delay means they can’t be overly worried. I guess if the CTG shows any problems they will do the US there and then. As it turned out DD2 had a growth spurt and arrived spontaneously at 38+1 weighing just over 6lb, so small for gestational age (SGA) but no sign of IUGR.

With DD2 I was advised to lie down twice a day for an hour on my left side to improve blood flow (hard with 2 other children I know). I also went on mat leave at 34w as I was just running round too much in a busy job. A Dr subsequently told me that stress is the biggest threat to the placenta. Try and take it easy and just let whatever you can slide. I’m convinced that taking it easy helped my baby.

I hope that helps. Your baby is in safe hands with the extra monitoring.