Growth restricted baby and delivery at around 37 weeks

[NKd1167739100921]

I was told at the last scan that the baby's growth has slowed as my placenta has an abnormal area and they will have to induce me at 37 weeks and the baby might need some special care after birth. Has anyone else had this experience? They estimate the baby will be around 2.5 kg. Also, I'm terrified of having a caesarean which will be the case if the baby gets distressed during labour. Feeling very vulnerable about the whole thing.

Hi NKd, my ds2 was IUGR. He was delivered by cs at 38 weeks. He weighed 4lb 15 (2.26 kg). He didn't need any special care, and was able to breastfeed very soon after. He's now 21 months, a lively, active little chap, but still only weighs about 21 lbs!

I know it's very worrying, but you have the advantage of knowing in advance that there could be issues, so they will have everything already in place for your baby if he/she does need any special care.

Best of luck to you. When are you going in?

Your story is reassuring, though they plan to induce me in about 10-14 days time unless it starts off naturally before that. They said there is more risk of a stillbirth if they leave it longer and the placenta fails.

I had DS1 at 35 weeks and he did not require special care he was 6lb3. I don't want to be a scaremonger but I had a friend who tried to hang in longer and had a stillborn at 38 weeks. With DS1 our goal was to get past 34 weeks, so I would go sooner rather than later. Don't worry about the method of delivery (even though I know it is natural to) the most important thing is a healthy baby at the end.

I had to have my DS induced at 37 weeks, due to risk of still birth if I went longer (different problem to yours though).

They will be very careful with you during your labour and they will probably want to get the baby out relatively quickly rather than letting labour go on an on. They will have a SCBU bed ready as well for your baby, BUT he/she may not need it. I was absolutely terrified beforehand, just like you but the attitude I tried to use is that your condition has been diagnosed, they are well aware of your problem and will take all necessary precautions with both of you. I also had to prepare for a Csection as induction is often not successful early, however if they advise this for you, try to go with it and remember they are doing the best thing for you. At the end of the day, like another poster has said, the goal is to get the baby out healthy and this is what the doctors will do for you, regardless of the method of delivery.

My DS came out at 37 weeks and was fine, just he was very scrawny as he didn't have his last few weeks to put on weight. He is now 20 months, absolutely fine, but still skinny, although this is no problem and he eats well. He was also able to breastfeed when he was born, but I believe his suck was quite weak compared to a big strong term baby, but he could still feed. I just let him feed all the time and he was fine.

Try not to worry, they will look after you.

my dd was growth restricted from 35wks, born at 38 ans weighed 1.95kg (4lbs 6oz). Stayed in for 10 days, would have only been 3-4 days due to feeding probs, but got a bad eye infection. No breathing probs or anything. She was off bottom of chart for weight and height, now 5 yrs old, she is 50% for weight and about 30% for height.

Good luck!!!

my dd was delivered (failed induction followed by c-sec) at 37ish weeks. She was about 2 kg (4 lbs 9 oz) and required no special care except a couple of hours heating (to bring blood sugar levels up). She couldn't/wouldn't bf but other than that absolutely no problems from the point of birth and she thrived as soon as she was out.

Good luck !

Thanks for your responses - it makes me feel more reassured.