Growth scan showing very small baby

[FirstTimeMumma2021]

Wondering if anyone can share their own experience here.

I've been having growth scans, latest one is showing our baby has now dropped to the 2.5 centile (previous ones showed 10th and then 27th centile).

Now being induced early but really worried about what this might mean when he is born and if there is anything I could have done that would have prevented it 😥

I know it’s easier said than done but try not to worry. I was referred for growth scans for both my boys because my measurements were off and my second son was a chunk of a baby x

There isn't anything you could have done to prevent this - it's most likely that his placenta or cord or both is not working properly. My twins were born 6 weeks early and my little twin was almost half the size of my big twin. At this point he's better out than in! How far along are you? X

My little twin was so small she didn't even make the chart - so much less than the 2.5 centile - she was born healthy and didn't need oxygen or anything. Both babies stayed in the NICU for nearly 3 weeks so it may be your baby gets sent there for a while but depends on his size and condition etc when he comes out. Breastfeeding may take a while to get going as they don't always have the sucking reflex they need and may be a little longer to hit certain milestones

@ivfgottwins 36 weeks so I know the scan isn't fully accurate as well due to his size. They've been checking the cord and placenta on the scan and each time saying it's healthy so not sure. Getting induced now at bang on 37 weeks x

Try not to worry. My niece was measuring small throughout pregnancy and after she was born despite being two weeks overdue. She's still small now but my goodness is she fierce and clever. She's never been behind physically, she's just petite. She's never had any health problems.

What weight is your baby coming up at in the scans?

@FirstTimeMumma2021

I had my twins placentas and cords checked every week or so and everything was fine - I had a placental abruption in the end and was told after that the placenta wasn't healthy which is what restricted her growth

What is your babies current estimated weight?
At 37 weeks you're considered full term in terms of babies development

@SeaTurtles92 4lbs 13oz based on yesterday's scan, but I know they were struggling to get some measurements a bit so had me sort of on my side to try and get them as well

Growth scans are very inaccurate.

Told me ds was over 10lbs - he was just over 6lbs when he was born at 39 weeks.

Told me dd was around 8.5lbs (week before I had her) she was 11lb 4 at 38 weeks.

Try not to worry, I know that's easier said than done but they were so off with both my children I would never rely on that solely for measurement.

Ignore them, it's all noncense. I was given growth scans because baby wasn't growing as expected. Baby was 9lb when born!!

Please ignore the advice to ignore them - I’m sure you are listening to the qualified professionals rather than anecdotal posters.

There are a number of things that can just happen which will affect growth - unless you are a smoker then it’s very unlikely to be anything you did.

Yes, growth scans are inaccurate but my DS came out smaller than the scan. We knew he was small but came out less than 4lbs.

However, you are past 36 weeks, this is good news for lung development. My DS needed to keep warm (no body fat) but otherwise was fine and once he started eating he has never stopped growing. Now taller than me and has hollow legs!

2 of my babies have been ~5th centile and the other 10th, no issues with placentas etc I just make small babies. Still petite for their ages but fine.

Growth scans are inaccurate +/- 25% so don’t worry. I was scanned a lot with DD as my bump was so small and then had PRM so she was out by 35 weeks. Literally the day before she was rushed out in a hurry the scan said a solid 6.5lbs-she came out at bang on 4lbs... she was perfectly fine though-NG tube and in NICU for a while but all good.

I have declined growth scans this pregnancy as my experience caused more stress than anything previously. The scan less than 12 hours before my DD was born said he was 6lb1, he was 7lb13...

If they were really worried they'd be getting baby out now.

Sending hugs OP - they’re doing the right thing getting baby out at 37 weeks.

My second DS was measuring below 3rd centile, and I have a history of my placenta failing, so he was born at 37 weeks. I had an elective section (by my choice, not due to issues) he took a minute to cry as wasn’t squeezed through the birth canal so still had fluid - he was 5lb 1 - pretty much what he was estimated. He’s 6 weeks on Monday and thriving!

With my first, I had placenta and blood flow issues, which were only picked up at 40+3 due to reduced growth on the fundal height measurement. Baby had stopped growing and was struggling. Born by emergency section at 40+4 weighing 6lb 6.

At 37 weeks, it’s safer for him to be out than in. Ask all your questions to the midwife - and good luck! X

My son dropped to 2nd centile and I was induced at exactly 37 weeks (i was also having reduced movements)
He was born weighing 5lbs 2 and did go to nicu but he was anaemic and needed antibiotics so might not be relevant to his size. He was small to begin with but he's now a bright, healthy 3 year old who's caught all the way up in size and is now on the 50-75 for weight and wearing age 4 clothing for height!

[quote FirstTimeMumma2021]@SeaTurtles92 4lbs 13oz based on yesterday's scan, but I know they were struggling to get some measurements a bit so had me sort of on my side to try and get them as well[/quote]
Maybe the baby is slightly bigger, the scans aren't always accurate but I hope all is well x

Thanks all, happy to say our baby boy was born via c section weighing 6lbs at 37+1 and is doing amazing xx

Congratulations @FirstTimeMumma2021!!

Congratulations!

Congrats and that's a good size for 37 weeks!

Congratulations @FirstTimeMumma2021