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Pregnancy

Talk about every stage of pregnancy, from early symptoms to preparing for birth.

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Original poster

Baby measuring on 3rd percentile

15 replies

Ambern7 · 21/09/2023 22:17

I posted a while back about baby being on the 10th percentile.
A few growth scans later and now measuring on the 3rd percentile. The doctor hasn’t seemed overly worried but they are going to continue scanning me regularly. The doctor also said we don’t know why the placenta isn’t working at optimum level and this has really worried me.
They have mentioned delivering early, but I’m only 32 weeks currently, so still got a few more weeks to go. Any advice on whether I should worry or not would be great.

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2ndTimeAroundMum · 21/09/2023 22:42

Sorry to hear you're worried @Ambern7! Is this your first baby? I think if the blood flow is okay and the fluid is normal that's reassuring. How often are you getting checked x

justsayso · 21/09/2023 22:43

Hi, I'm in the same boat just awaiting a scan on the placenta and a plan,,so it sounds like you're further on in the journey than me. I'm 31 weeks today.
Found out on my 20 weeks scan her legs were on 3rd centile and then on the 30 weeks scan she's fallen behind on all measures and not enough amniotic fluid either.
Fwiw, lots of my friends have had small babies who all grew up with no issues and are definitely not small now. Plus I know of a twin who was born at 25 weeks in the 1980s and you wouldn't think he'd been small to look at him.
I am trying to tell myself that if it was urgent they'd have kept me in or got baby out.
Hope yours catches up or you're given a clearer plan of managing things until you're further along.

DancinOnTheCeiling · 21/09/2023 22:49

Hi OP and @justsayso. So sorry you're having to go through a worrying time. My dd measured on very low percentile throughout pregnancy and towards maybe 36 weeks she actually fell off the centile chart ie was below 0. They didn't know why either, and there wasn't much amniotic fluid. They said at the time they'd rather take her out as that way she can be fed. So I was induced at 37 weeks (got steroid injection to make sure babies lungs were matured), induction didn't work so she was delivered by sexton at 37+4 weighing 5lbs 1. She was tiny but absolutely fine, apgar score of 9, she fed very very well and is now a healthy and happy, very tall and 'normal' body shape 4 year old and you wouldn't be able to tell at all. We found out later there was a bit of inflammation in the placenta; they don't know why and said this is not uncommon... wishing you both lots of luck. It's a very stressful time, and I hope both your babies can stay inside as long as is safe and are both born healthy and strong xx

DancinOnTheCeiling · 21/09/2023 22:51

Section!

jonnyjanetkeogh · 21/09/2023 23:02

This was similar to my first pregnancy, I had pre eclampsia though symptoms didn't show until 34 weeks for me. Baby was already slowing in growth by then. He stopped growing at all at 34 weeks but they didn't deliver him until 37 weeks to allow his lungs to mature as much as possible. I know how scary it felt. But if blood flow is looking okay that is a very good sign. My son was born weighing just under 5lbs and very tiny indeed.
But what I can say is that baby is now a pretty tall teenager, he is by far the strongest and healthiest person in our family, he is loving, funny and awesome. We went through so much worry in pregnancy, he ended up not even on the centile chart 2 months after birth and didn't get back on it for a further 3 months. It was a damn hard time but you know what? I'd do it all again in a heartbeat!
It's good they are monitoring you from what you're saying, and I do feel for you. It isn't a nice thing to be sitting with unknowns as you are. Sending a cuddle, you'll have your baby in your arms in the next 10 weeks.

Original poster

Ambern7 · 21/09/2023 23:46

Hi everyone, thanks so much for sharing reassuring experiences, that’s really good to hear, definitely what I needed! @2ndTimeAroundMum it’s 2nd baby, didn’t have any of this with my first although she was born smallish and now very tall for her age. I’m being scanned every two weeks and also seeing the midwife every couple of weeks.
@justsayso sorry you are also going through this, it’s such a worrying thing to deal with towards the end of pregnancy. Hope they get a plan together for you soon 💗

OP posts:

justsayso · 22/09/2023 06:55

Keep us posted OP and we will cross our fingers for you 🤞
To everyone who posted their experience it's been really helpful to read and very reassuring. Thanks for being so kind.

justsayso · 27/09/2023 13:09

@Ambern7
How are you getting on? Have you had any further scans or discussed a plan?
I was at fetal medicine earlier this week for a placental scan. They think that's why baby isn't growing, the placenta isn't working properly. Baby is active though, and has grown a little bit since last week but not by much.
The consultant said she didn't think it would be safe to progress last 37 weeks and has booked me in for another scan in 2 weeks to monitor growth. In the meantime, if anything changes I'll need to call PAU and we could technically meet her at any time!
I've had to adjust my plans for birth of course as it's looking more like induction of caesarian.
I saw my midwife this morning who said by 34 weeks the babys lungs will be a lot stronger. I just want to keep her in for as long as possible!
Hope you're getting on okay. What a lot of worry and stress for us!
I have ordered the last few bits for my hospital bag and what I've got already is packed and in the car.
Best of luck OP.

justsayso · 27/09/2023 13:09

Induction OR caesarian

Original poster

Ambern7 · 28/09/2023 19:16

@justsayso thanks for your update message. Glad they seem to be monitoring you, hope you are feeling ok about it all.
I don’t have any further updates for me, I haven’t got a scan for another week so just waiting. I do have a hospital appointment early next week, so not sure if that will shed anymore light.
Just trying to be on the ball about monitoring the movements all the time, that in itself is quite anxiety inducing!

OP posts:

Iggy23 · 09/11/2023 21:16

Hi ladies, I came across this thread as I’m in the same position. 28 weeks and baby is already measuring off the chart (on the small end). I’ve got myself into such a state of panic. I’m waiting for my consultant appointment but would love to know how you all got on xxx

Original poster

Ambern7 · 09/11/2023 23:06

Hi @Iggy23 sorry you are going through this, I understand how worrying it can be.
Dd was born at 37 weeks and after measuring on the 3rd percentile for about 6 weeks, she was born on the 11th percentile and didn’t need any time in special care which is what we were told to expect. Hope this helps and good luck with your journey 💗

OP posts:

Iggy23 · 10/11/2023 06:26

Thank you for your reply@Ambern7 and so pleased to hear everything worked out for the best in the end ❣️ xxx

110APiccadilly · 10/11/2023 06:44

@Iggy23 both my babies were born below the 1st percentile. With DD1, it was a bit of a shock as no one had realised until she was born! Both absolutely fine and healthy and neither needed any time in special care (though DD2 did develop jaundice and have to go back into hospital for a night).

Be prepared for lots of scans though!

Iggy23 · 10/11/2023 15:36

Thank you@110APiccadilly ! Reassuring to hear you’ve had a similar experience and all has been ok! Thank you for responding xx

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