Advice on growth scans please

[chillsznisnow]

Hi 👋🏼 I wondered if anyone else has had this?
I’m 34+1 with my 3rd baby.
I’ve been looking small bump wise all along and had a second growth scan today as he’s measuring below 10th centile.
I had to see the consultant afterwards because his abdominal circumference has dropped according to my last growth scan. All other measurements were in line.

I have to have a scan next week to do the doppler on the cord and check placenta and then another growth scan a week after that. I’ve been told if no change then we will have to bring my caesarean forward to 37 weeks.

I’m so worried and anxious. I’m older this time (37) and so worried as to why this is happening. Baby current estimated weight is 4lb 13oz. I’m also worried if he’s born at 37 weeks if he will have to stay in NICU etc.
I just want to know he’s ok 🙏🏼

Has anyone had similar and can share their story?

Hey,
I'm having the exact same situation now, I'm same age as you were etc. Can you tell us what happened in the end? Baby tummy 3rd percentile, medicine scan booked and the Dr is talking about syndromes and chromosomes
Super stressed!

@Lou87Lou I'm not the OP but going through very similar. I'll be 36wks on Monday and will be having baby the following week as he's been measuring <3rd centile since 20wk scan. At one stage they thought they might need to get him out around 33/34wks but Dopplers etc remained good so we've hung in but they don't want him in beyond 37wks. We actually decided to have amniocentesis last week (didn't want to risk it earlier incase of preterm labour) - was a tough few days waiting for results but thankfully we got the all clear yesterday. Most likely he is just a small baby mixed with some possible placenta issues (although blood flow etc has always been normal on the scans). It's horrible to go through and hard not to worry with all the extra monitoring etc but hopefully all will be fine for you too. Sending a big hug 💗

Thanks so much for the reply! I think we'll be offered the amniciotis tests too after the medicine scan and I'd take it up so we can be prepared for when she gets here.
Are you being induced or are you having a CS? The Dr told me small babies can find birth stressful so it's made me really want a CS and avoid the days in hospital panicking about her getting here but i dont know anyones story as similar to ours so really want to find out others experiemces.

Its reasuring to hear you now seeming so positive with your Current plan, I wish you all the luck and let us know how it progresses. In a week or so you'll have the ickle bubba here xx

A friend of mine has had 2 babies in this scenario, FTM aged 41. Both were fine and are healthy and happy. And so is she.

@Lou87Lou I've ummed and ahed about it a LOT as my consultant has said she's happy with induction due to bloodflow etc all looking good this far. However, I've had misgivings about the induction process - particularly given we'll by early AND he's small. I've also heard about small babies struggling more with labour. As said, my consultant has reiterated several times she wouldn't say she was happy with it if she had concerns but my personal instinct is that it wouldn't be wise. I read a really helpful book called Induction Matters by a research midwife (I think she's called Louise Reed) and that further added to my doubts tbh. I feel like it's likely he might struggle with syntocinon induced contractions. I've also heard the fake oxytocin doesn't help with bonding process the same way and can impact feeding after birth which also isn't ideal with a small baby. A very long-winded way to say I've thought about it a LOT (probably too much!!) and think I've settled on section now. I need to tell them tomorrow and am feeling a bit nervous but I think it is what feels right.... I'll let you know how it goes!! X

Also to add, this little man is a rainbow baby for us after 3 losses last year so I have a bit of anxiety about just getting him here safely now and the C-section feels more of a controlled risk than all the unknowns of induction. It also feels like it might be gentler on my MH and having a more definite plan for his arrival. 💙

My DS1 abdo was 4th centile at 38 weeks. Previously 10th centile.
Placenta was fine, amniotic was fine, baby was fine. I was grand. So carried on with pregnancy. Natural spontaneous labour at 39 w 5d. Birthing center and easy labour 9 hours after getting to the hospital at 4cm. No issues with DS1. Still petite around the waist but very long and tall. Normal variations can happen and be 100% normal.

They predicted he would be 5lbs completely wrong though he 2as born at 6lbs.