Growth scan at 37 weeks - scared of induction

[Lanzy]

Today I am going for a growth scan, I am really hoping for a natural birth but this week at 37 weeks they said baby is slightly small so the growth scan has been booked in last minute. They told me I’ll not get results until Monday which I’m stressing over especially at Christmas. If anyone did have a growth scan can the sonographer tell right away or would they make aware sooner?

I’m thinking of trying to prepare if they say induction, I have a history of being very sensitive below and thrush. I know it’s least of worries but does the pessary or gel cause any infection below ie thrush, BV? Is one method better than other. If I want to prevent that thing. I take it there is no oral method for induction as read online there is but in different countries
Just seeing options and know there will be bigger things but I do struggle!

The sonographer will have the measurements straight away. Have you had another growth scan recently so they can compare? A single snapshot isn’t hugely useful. That said, as you are now at term they might just advise to proceed straight away if baby does seem smaller than expected.

They will likely also check the blood flow through the umbilical cord, which will give them an indication if there are problems there which has caused slower growth. Abnormal Doppler readings will make it much more likely that they advise induction.

You don’t have to accept any intervention, but growth slowing down later in pregnancy can be a sign that the placenta isn’t working as well as it should, so IMHO it’s not a recommendation to disregard lightly.

I went straight to a C section for growth restriction so can’t advise on inductions.

@Moancup It’s been a bit of a shock, I went to my GP over vision and blood pressure was high so once at triage they done checks, got told I was pre warning for pre eclampsia but luckily BP and bloods came down overnight. During the visit though midwife measured bump with tape. She then said smaller for expected, yet two weeks ago midwife had done same check and was told all good. So I’m wondering if it’s been past week or so! No other growth scan as last scan was I think around 20 -22weeks? - the standard two scans were the only ones I had as everything was all fine so this is unexpected scan just ordered xx

No growth restriction, but as PP says, they will immediately have the results.

I have however had two 37 week inductions, so I can honestly say they're fine. I've never had thrush or any vaginal infection (that I know of) and had the gel both times. The midwife will be wearing sterile gloves, and will be practicing aseptic technique whenever she performs a vaginal exam, and on insertion of whatever is used to start the induction. How well do you cope with smears? It's on par with that imo. If there's too much discomfort, there is gas and air around. Even if it's not offered.

Fingers crossed for you that your bump is just smaller on average and you have a perfectly sized baby in there.

I had a growth scan at 37 weeks as my bump had stopped growing but baby measured 6lbs they told
me right there and then that baby was 6lbs and it was printed on the scan report in my maternity notes. tbey induced me 2 weeks later at 39 weeks as my bump hasn’t grown still they started by breaking my water with a hook needle thing….. then tbey put a drip in my hand to get contractions going. My cervix had been very sore at the end of the pregnancy and then prodding around and pushing needles through it really hurt I mean really hurt! And after all that I ended up with an EMCS anyways as my labour wasn’t going anywhere then my baby was only 6lbs like the scan had said.

OP I am also very prone to stuff going wrong down there and I had gel for my induction at 38 weeks, also for growth concerns. Gel wasn't especially irritating, just a bit cold. My induction was relatively smooth, and once I entered the active phase, baby came quickly. But whether or not you end up needing an induction, make sure you chat to midwives about your concerns, because they should listen and try and make you comfortable, and make sure your birth partner can do the same. After the birth I didn't have any issues with BV or thrush, just the usual soreness that went away eventually. Wishing you all the best.