Baby weight

[Catarinah]

I'm having additional growth scans due to baby being small. I had one this morning, I am 34 weeks today and the baby weighs 4lb6oz. From what I'm reading online that's actually a very normal and healthy weight for 34 weeks, but I am booked in for another scan in 2 weeks because consultant said the baby is getting further away from the normal range at each scan and if it continues to grow at this rate then it'll be below normal in a few weeks. Are they being over cautious? And, does this mean I'll be induced early?

Hi,
I had fortnightly scans from 25 weeks due to being small. I can't find my 34 week form but at 32 weeks my daughter was measuring 3lb exactly. I was induced at 37+4 as she was measuring on the 4th centile and they expected her to be 5lb 6oz. She was 5lb 3oz born.

It's the moving lower down the charts that the doctor is wanting to keep an eye on as opposed to the weight as such. If there are concerns that the growth is falling then early induction may be advised or extra monitoring.

So, if your baby's weight/size is slipping down the centiles, it can suggest that your placenta is starting to struggle/fail. They'll want to keep a close eye on you both, and possibly get baby out a bit early if there's any risk.

No that's not that small (my baby was born at 4lb9 after being induced at 37 weeks) but if baby is not following their growth curve then that's what they are concerned over

Ahhh right. I've attached my growth chart here. If this continues at what point are they likely to suggest inducing? And, will that be an option or will they just book me in for a c section? Rather inducing really...

My baby was considered small and I was monitored regularly from 20 weeks. He fluctuated between 4th and 9th percentile. They wanted me to carry the baby to full term but set up an induction for the day after my due date. They told me that after the due date the placenta deteriorates and the baby doesn't get as much food as before which in a normal sized baby is fine but is an issue for a small baby. In the end I had a scan 3 days before my due date and he had jumped to 20th percentile so the induction was cancelled so can't comment on the induction process, c section was never mentioned though.

Your next scan is 36 weeks. Anything over 37 weeks is considered full term so it will be up for discussion with your consultant how urgent it is.

Induction doesn't necessarily mean c section. You can have a vaginal birth if that's your plan and the induction works. I didn't progress in my induction and after 3 days ended in c section. But there were many steps before that stage

I had a growth scan every two weeks from 32w onwards because midwife said bump wasn't growing properly.
LO was born 8lb 5oz. Honestly please don't worry. Best to be safe and have the scans done though.

Thanks everyone :)