Reduction in baby's growth rate

[Jenniferwren86]

Hello,

I'm looking for some reassurance if anyone has had or is going through a similar experience.

I'm currently 39 weeks +1 and have just returned from a growth scan. At my 38 week appointment the midwife noticed I was measuring slightly smaller than I had been so sent me for a scan. Today's scan confirmed that the baby's growth rate has slowed slightly, he was on the 86th percentile at 35 weeks (was also sent for a growth scan as measuring big) but now he's dropped to the 61st percentile. This is a 25% reduction and apparently the hospital are fine with this and only refer or intervene if it's 30% or more.

However I have left this appointment feeling really worried and unsettled as to why he's not continuing on the same growth rate.

Has anyone else had this? Or has any advise?

This is my second pregnancy and I never experienced this with my first, she was a large baby but grew at a consistent rate.

Thanks in advance for any advise you guys can give!

Jenny

Hi,

My first stopped/tailed off growth at some point after 32 weeks. We only know because I had a growth scan at 39 weeks and there had been very little growth since 32 weeks.
I did have preeclampsia and they think it was related to that - I was induced immediately following the scan. For what it’s worth, they didn’t mess around with it.
I’m expecting my second and they are scanning me every 2 weeks. She said if the same happens then I’ll have bloods etc done and rechecked. If drops below 30% then induction/section again! She did say though that some babies do slow down so up to 30% is considered safe..

I don’t know if that helps, it’s hard not to worry isn’t it?

Dc3 was on the 75th percentile up until 30 weeks when his growth slowed down and he dropped to the 45th percentile. I developed high blood pressure at the same time as well. Despite being high risk due to pre-eclampsia in my first pregnancy my consultant wasn't concerned. I was very anxious during the last 10 weeks, but Dc3 was born happy and healthy at 40 weeks. There was definitely something not quite right though because he was on the 20th percentile at birth but back on the 75th at 1 month old.

Thank you ladies for your advice and comments. I'd gotten myself into a bit of a state yesterday...I think because no one has explained why it has happened. I'm the kind of person that has to know how and why everything happens! 🙈
Anyway I have spoken to the midwife and she says as long as movements are normal there's no need to worry at all. 🤞🤞

Thanks again x