Being sent for a growth scan next week?!

[Anne191119]

I had my midwife appointment this morning and she said there's been no growth from measurement in the last two weeks (static growth) so I'm booked in for a growth scan on Tuesday next week. Before that baby was on track and no concerns. I'll be 29 weeks on Tuesday. I've been crazy stressed the last few weeks with work etc so im worried it's my fault. She did say baby was breech at my last appointment but today they thought she was head down and said the measurements could just be because of how baby was lying but obviously im worried. I can feel baby moving lots so that's good and I know the measurement can be really unreliable. Just feel like it's one thing after another for me at the minute! Anyone able to give me any experience or advice on this what it involves or what they'll do if baby is showing small? I'm hoping it'll show al is ok and the numbers were just off.

Did you get a low Papp-a at the combined test? Lower than 0.5 mom? It gives you a risk of IUGR and others.

I had this and was prescribed aspirin to help.

I still got IUGR and static growth, was induced at 40 weeks, baby stopped growing at 36 but the 38 weeks scan showed growth so we didn’t know until the 40 weeks scan which showed the same as the 36. Born at 2nd percentile but otherwise ok and put on weight after.

as you see from my case also, the scans are not that accurate, the baby might just been in a different position, or maybe it was a small growth instead of no growth.

You’ll have more scans and they might induce you (you can also ask for a CS) if they think it’s necessary.

at the scan ask for them to check the placental flow and other placental measurements (can’t remember all) to see the placenta is ok. For me these tests always returned no problem but still had IUGR, but it’s good to check anyway. Ask if aspirin could help too? Or a blood thinner injection like clexane? (They are considering replacing my aspirin now with clexane)

otherwise just keep an eye on movements, you can install a kick count app, make it easier to see how many kicks per hour, patterns, etc.

as the baby is moving lots and as long you’ll continue to have scans, don’t worry, you’ll both be fine.

Midwife here. It's so so likely due to the change in position as baby is more nestled in your pelvis. Please don't worry and don't take any medications unless your midwife advises you. You'll get a lovely extra peek at baby. Just keep a close eye on movements and report them to triage if you have any concerns at all

Obviously you being stressed has nothing to do with this, though I understand you might feel it does.

i felt completely zen, nothing bothered me :)) it was a weird mental state, like being under water with time running extremely slowly

And still got IUGR

I had similar with my 2nd pregnancy, my bump never measured over 32 weeks when the midwife measured with her tape measure, the baby was back to back and when I would lie down my bump would almost disappear, scans were all ok but the baby was measuring small, I was told he would be about 5lb, he was 7.7lb when born extremely long and thin.

The measurements are just rough estimates that point to the need to get a more accurate read, the scan just checks. I had a gazillion scans all fine.

Thank you all so much for your responses and experiences already! I feel so much more relieved just reading them ( literally felt like crying again 😅) and know what to ask for at the scan for my own information. I won't take anything or do anything unless advised by my dr obviously and I know it's daft to think it's my fault really. Just had such a hard time with work etc recently I feel overwhelmed with it all and then this when I thought I'd just be going for a standard midwife appointment. I had no issues with my son so it's stressful. Hopefully like everyone says it will just be all ok on the day 🙏🏼

Thought I'd update for anyone in similar situation - Both monitoring and scan this morning went fine and they said baby girl is on the smaller side but still within normal range and on the same path as my previous pregnancy with ds who is now 3. They checked blood flow/fluid level etc and all was fine so no need for any follow up at the minute. Very relieved and also happy to have had another little glimpse at baby wriggling away happily :)

great news, it’s always nice to have an extra peek at the baby