Induction due to reduced growth

[sparkles212]

I went for a growth scan on Friday at 36+1. It had been booked in for reassurance due to previous reoccurances of reduced movements (6 eps). Ironically, baby has been dancing about in there like mad since my last RM admission 2.5 weeks ago and I would've been happy not to have a repeated growth scan just for reassurance if they'd had said not to bother.

Anyway, I went and baby is measuring just below average, about 5lb 12oz and no concerns with blood flow, fluid etc. However, I was told that her abdomen growth had trailed a bit. Consultant said he wasn't concerned but now got another growth scan at 38w and if she hasn't grown much then I'll be induced. Really not a fan of this and would rather let nature take it's course but if it has to happen then I'll suck it up.

I'm just looking for others who are in or have been in similar situations. If growth isnt great at next scan, am I likely to be admitted there and then or be given a date to come back? Will they do a sweep first to see how I go? I'm reluctant to get on google as it will probably say we're all going to die (!) and aside from this slight decrease in growth there are no other health concerns with my baby.

There were concerns with my eldest surrounding IUGR but by his follow up scan he had grown enough to keep them happy and in the end I was induced on my due date for blood pressure reasons rather than growth. He was just a small baby at 6lbs7oz - he's still slim today at 6!

I was induced at 37wks after high cord pressure was identified and head circumference appeared to have stalled. Like you I was distinctly not keen but a meeting with the consultant made the implications clear and I consented to induction. I was booked in the same day, although I had a few hours to go home, gather my things and arrange childcare. I would rather have had a spontaneous labour all other things being equal, but it was totally fine and it really doesn't matter now how DC2 came into the world.

I think what happens next probably depends on the next scan. If growth has really stalled then they will definitely want you induced asap and may keep you in, if it's more ambiguous they may give you a day or two. It'll be fine though, really.

Thank you for your replies. It helps to hear from actual experiences then me sat wondering all day.

I know induction is usually a worse labour but that isn't really my worry. I'm not scared of the labour at all (not even thought about it much to be honest) I just hate the unknown and that's when I become a whittler as my mind automatically looks to the negatives. I'm very much a "give me the facts and I'll handle it no matter what" sort of person than a having faith sort of gal. Doesn't sound as bad as I've built it up going by what you've said :)

I was induced at 34 weeks due to reduced movements, reduced growth and high pressure in the cord. Needless to say the induction failed so I ended up with an emergency csection. I hope your little one gets growing so you can let nature take its course 😊

My midwife referred me last week at 36+3 as my bump was small. Baby was 5.2lb but sonographer seemed happy with that. Have to go back at 38+3 for a rescan. Hopefully she will have grown enough to keep them happy!

I had growth scans from 20 weeks every 2 weeks with dc1.
Eventually i had a scan at 36 weeks and was booked in for the next week (5 days later) to be induced.
Induction failed and I ended up with an emergency c section.
They estimated baby would be 3lbs. She was 4bl 8oz.
She spent 2 days on cpaps, 1 day off cpaps but still in the special care unit. And then onto the ward for 5 days.
I hope little one grows and you can keep him/her in for a little longer. Good luck OP

Thank you. It is reassuring to read your stories. By comparison at an estimated 5lb 12oz, my baby isn't that small at 36w. If she has to come out at 38w then so be it. I would've been more scared if it were to be at 37w for some reason.

It's typical that her movements have been better than ever the last couple of weeks!

Fingers crossed she gets her grow on 😊

Hi @sparkles212 just wondering how everything's gone?
I'm in a similar situation, reduced movements so in for daily CTG and small baby weighing approx 4lbs at 34weeks, facing induction at 36weeks if no improvement on growth by next scan in 2weeks.

Went for my growth scan and baby had grown another estimated pound which was good. Her fluid was on the low side but not alarmingly so but due to reduced movements they still wanted to induce me on the Sunday. That got cancelled as there were no beds but they got me in Monday instead.

Very fast induction, waters broke the moment they touched me so had propress/pessary rather than balloon and was in active labour for 8 hours (which felt a lot less actually - they'd estimated it would take 1-2 days).

Now sat with a 3 & 1/2 day old baby girl in my arms :) She was 7lb 1oz so by no means too small in the end. I was 38w 4d when delivered though, so a bit ahead of what you'd be. Good luck I hope it all goes well for you, I'm sure it will

Congratulations @sparkles212 glad it all went so well and she's here healthy

Congratulations!

Thank you :)