Growth scans - baby dropping down the centiles

[Serenity05]

I'm 34+5 and I had a growth scan this morning which showed my baby is on the 5th centile after being on the 9th centile at my last scan three weeks ago. I need to go back again in two weeks and if the consultant isn't happy with the baby's weight gain then I will likely need to deliver early - probably at 37 weeks.

The good news is that the blood flow through the cord and placenta both looked good and the baby is very active. However, her stomach was measuring smaller than her head and legs, which could imply she's not getting the nutrients she needs from the placenta.

Obviously this is not what I wanted to hear and the Covid situation is compounding my worries. I want to spend as little time as possible in hospital, especially as I'll be alone for a lot of it with current restrictions. The consultant told me to do some research and have a think about whether I'd prefer induction or caesarean, if it comes to that. My first child was EMCS because he was breech and I really wanted to have a VBAC this time (baby is currently head down). The consultant said that if an induction went well and the baby was okay and feeding well, then I could go home six hours after birth, whereas a caesarean would obviously involve an overnight stay. But that's IF the induction goes well. I might end up spending longer in hospital than if I had a caesarean.

Does anyone have any experience of any of this? I know I don't need to make any decisions today but my head is all over the place at the moment.

Yes - growth restricted baby picked up at 30 weeks. Csection at 37 weeks, she weighed 4 and a half pounds. Needed a week’s stay in SCBU for a bit of jaundice, sorting out blood sugars etc and getting feeding established etc. No long term issues though and now a boisterous 4 year old.

Thank you.

Were you given the option of an induction? If so, can I ask what swayed you to a c-section?

I think the likelihood of a 6 hour stay in hospital with a first vaginal birth is pretty low tbh. When you look at birth statistics, most women stat overnight, especially for first vaginal births. And you can usually go hike after 24 hours with a planned section, so in all likelihood, your hospital stay will probably be similar. There is a very small chance of a 6hr discharge, but also of staying for longer than 24hrs. The average difference in stay between vaginal births and sections is measured in hours not days, and that's ok births, not just looking at firsts (o know it's your second, but the vbac will be a first vaginal birth).

Best of luck with whatever you decide, and for your baby's birth.

I haven’t had a c section or induction, BUT have had a premature birth. The other thing I would consider in making your decision is the likelihood of the baby needing special care after birth (I do have experience of this) as if you have a c section you won’t be able to drive (which if you normally do) will make getting back to visit the baby potentially much more difficult.

I was given the option of induction if I wanted, but chose a csection because when I looked into the odds of induction succeeding for an early baby were not great, plus they didn’t really want to put an already stressed & small baby through labour.

i had a VBAC with my second and the csection was much calmer and I healed quickly - was up an about within 24 hours.

I have a growth scan today - my first - I'm particularly scared about what they might say as my fundal height has dropped way below where it should be.

Let us know how you get on! I haven't even had any results and I'm freaking so I can only imagine how you feel!!