Baby gone from 90th to 10th centile 34 weeks - please hold my hand

[Tasha121]

Hi,

Not really sure how to articulate how scared I am...

I developed moderate BP at 16 weeks, been on a low dose of meds and aspirin as a precaution ever since. Had monthly growth scans as a result, and baby grew really well, starting at 90th centile at 24-28 weeks. At 31 weeks he started dropping down the centiles. My last scan at 33 weeks showed he is now hovering around the 10th, borderline for 'small baby.'

I am so confused and worried as to why this is happening, every scan my dopplers are fine, blood flow is describeed as 'great', no issues with placenta...so why is this happening? My consultant mentioned a possible side effect from the BP meds, but could a low dose really cause this much growth restriction?

My next scan is on Thursday at 35 weeks and I'm so terrified he will have dropped further to beneath the 10th centile - does anyone know what might happen at this point?

I do not want to be induced as I had a previous c section with my first son so am worried about scar rupture, and also keep reading about small babies being very stressed by induction and normally ending up in an emergency section anyway. Does anyone know if I could push for an earlier section than 39 weeks in this scenario?

I am in for reduced movement checks maybe once a week on average, I have no pattern to speak of and was trying to rely on him being a 'good weight' to stop me getting obsessed with movement (previous major anxiety issue in my first pregnancy), but now I just feel terrified constantly and like he's not safe inside my body...

Because my dopplers are good, I don't currently warrant more than a scan every two weeks, but as I get further along this is worrying me so much - A Dr did say I could be admitted any time from now and have a CTG three times a day, but I don't know if that's a good idea or not - would I not be taking up a bed for someone who really needs it? I just know I feel like a ticking time bomb and like something awful is going to happen to him if they don't act soon.

Just to add in case anyone asks - no we aren't small people, I am 5ft6, DH is 6ft, my previous son was 8lb2 at 39 weeks.

Here to hold your hand, this sounds like it must be a really stressful situation, I’m so sorry. I’m absolutely no expert but I did ask my midwife at my last appt if the heartbeat is a good sign of baby’s health and she said it was, so try to keep hold of that as a positive, as well as the blood flow and everything else that’s been mentioned.

hopefully someone with more knowledge can put your mind at ease a bit more
but for now I’m thinking of you and baby and wishing you both all the best

Please try not to panic. I was told with my eldest that he would be 11lbs at birth. He was 8.12.

I was told with my youngest he would be 5-6lbs and had gone from 90th centile to 20th at 35 weeks. He was 8.12 and born at 36 weeks (so a week after I was told 5-6lbs!!)

IMO (and most of the midwives I know!!) scans are absolutely not an exact science.