If you’re measuring small and growth rate has slowed...

[Dustyzest]

What was the outcome for you?

I was measuring three weeks behind at 30 weeks so was referred for an additional scan. They didn’t identify any problems, but at my 34 week appt my midwife was concerned I’m still behind and more so now, indicating growth has slowed. I’ve got a scan booked in but I’m just wondering what they’ll do if growth is slow? She said something about possible induction at 37 weeks but was quite vague...

Would love to hear about similar experiences?

Was measuring progressively smaller all the way through. 9th percentile in the end .Was induced at 38 weeks and had a very skinny 5.9 pound boy.
Docs thought the placenta hasn't grabbed on very well.

I measured small, and after growth scans two weeks apart it appeared that DS had only grown 0.5oz in that two weeks, and was expected to to be 5lb9oz. I also had reduced movement, and high BP (borderline preeclampsia). They induced me at 37 weeks, he arrived at 37+3 after I was put on the hormone drip. He arrived 4 hours after the drop was started, and weighed 6lb5oz and was very healthy. They will always be overly cautious when it comes to growth.

Thanks @crazycrazylady. I was a 5lb baby myself for similar reasons!

I am hopeful I’ll get some answers today as being induced in three weeks is a lot more to get my head around as I thought I had another six weeks to lie around and eat magnums 👀

Thank you @sospanfrangipan. Glad to hear all was ok. I wanted to know the likelihood of induction but no one is really saying anything yet.

@Dustyzest They made the decision quite quickly for me, literally within 20 minutes of my scan I was told to go in the next morning for induction. I imagine it differs a lot between hospital trusts/consultants etc. Fingers crossed for you and baby xx

Have you seen the term IUGR (in utero growth restricted) on your notes? You may find that you have additional monitoring and see a consultant about early delivery. Be extra vigilant about baby's movements. DD was diagnosed as IUGR at 32 weeks. There were placenta issues and possibly a short chord. We had weekly monitoring and she was delivered by c section at 38 weeks. She was 5lb 1 and very scrawny with no body fat. She had over a week in special care and was very poorly initially but is now a lively and happy 9 month old. Shes actually in 12-18 month clothes already so has caught up. Make sure you have plenty of rest and lots of support after the birth. Once DD started feeding she fed constantly (and that was on formula as we couldn't establish bf) so I was exhausted. She fed at night more than her peers as well but now she usually sleeps through so I can be a bit smug now! Oh and get some tiny baby clothes and size 0 nappies for your hospital bag just in case

@blackcat86 thank you that’s really useful to know! I’ve got all tiny tiny baby stuff anyway as I was so tiny. I can’t really decipher my notes but the last fundal measurement thing is quite a way below the lines on the graph.

I’m a bit apprehensive about it all if I’m honest. I live quite far from my family and my partner has two older children who spend the majority of their time with him and he’s very focused on spending all his time with them so they don’t feel like anything has changed - his attitude is always that everything will be fine, to the extent he’s booked two trips away with them this summer - one right after the due date for a weekend (a tradition apparently that can’t be broken) and a longer summer holiday type thing when our baby would be 7 weeks (providing it arrived on the due date). I know I’m being a bit precious but I am worried.

I measured small at a late scan, I was induced at full term and she was 8lbs 5!
Perfectly healthy too.

You're not being precious at all. We had a hellish 9 days, all very touch and go the first day and I actually ended up moving in to the special care unit. BUT, we got through it. If it's any consolation DH, DSS and GPs were not great. DH fell apart and become depressed, selfish and cruel. DSS said it was all my fault because I was 'such a bitch when I was pregnant' and both sets of gps dick swung about who could do x with the baby, both delighted I couldn't bf and generally shitty. BUT (another one), I got through it. I did the 45 min feeds, the tiny nappy changes, the medication, the blue light for jaundice, all of it and now I'm here my gorgeous baby. It's ok to be concerned because you could have all the hard bits of having a newborn plus added stresses but you'll get there. Another good tip I used is to stock the house for 6 months so nappies, clothes, emergency freezer food, lots of tops and leggings for you, emergency formula etc. That really helped to!

Thank you! On my way to the scan now, I’ll see what they say..

Also sorry to hear you had a rough time with your partner and stepson. I can really empathise!