Low Fetal Weight

[mklexie22]

I'm currently 38+3 due 25th Aug, just had a growth scan and baby is only estimated at 5.72lbs. His head circumference is within the normal range but on the low side. I think I will be induced. Has anyone had any similar experience? How are your babies? It's scaring me enough to think of all the complications. I have no GDM, hypertension, classed as low risk until now.

Yes I was induced at 38+5 and baby was born at 39 weeks 5 pounds 7 but perfect, just small.
Do you have another scan coming up to make the decision? It was fetal medicine which made the call to induce in my case

Hi,

I also had this at 37 weeks and had a follow up growth scan yesterday (39 weeks) because the baby had put on a little weight (from 5.6 to 6.2lbs) in the two weeks they decided not to
Induce me untill 41 weeks. X

Forgot to add, they could also find no reason causing the baby to have low fetal
Weight which helped them decide not to Induce, I was just told 'sometimes babies are just small' I totally understand your feelings of anxiety around this as I've spent the last two weeks worried sick
X

Growth scans are notoriously inaccurate, it's only an estimate. Everyone I know has had babies that were not anywhere near the estimate from a scan. Please ask questions about why an induction is necessary, if no other risk factors and baby is well. it's an offer, nothing is mandatory.

Hello! Thanks for all your responses. I stand corrected - he is weighing 5lbs 13 oz. I called the midwife and they can't give any other reason other than that the baby is small but the blood flow throughout the body is normal. It may be a placental problem or the cord. I am also quite worried about the size of baby's head measuring smaller than the abdomen so I am hoping he will do better in the outside world thus, the induction.

My baby was genuine IUGR, induced at 40 weeks weighing 6lb 5oz, not tiny but placenta was an absolute state. Growth plataued but also we had some boarderline dopplers and CTG monitoring. Size was just one factor, I'd recommend looking at the whole picture before making a decision. Intuition is important too, don't underestimate that.

Hi I have been booked in to be induced at 39 weeks next week . Has anyone been induced before how long did it take from being induced to birth ? Is it more painful?

Hi, I gave birth in December and my baby weighed 5lb 12oz. We had regular growth scans throughout my pregnancy as she moved from 50th centile to 2nd. She's still slightly on the smaller size and currently between 2nd and 9th centile but both my husband and I are 5'2/5'3 so I can't exactly expect her to be massive! I did have complications throughout my pregnancy, including GDM.

My baby is from 37th centile down to 7th centile sadly was found out late in pregnancy though I have had twice monthly midwife checks. I have had no issues such as GDM, HPN, and blood flow check is normal. My husband is 5'8" whilst I am 5'6" most of my families are quite tall.

It was the doctor's option for us to go for induction since baby may have a greater chance at thriving more outside. Fingers crossed baby comes out healthy. I will undergo induction this Sunday. Thank you all and wish me luck!

You probably want to start your own thread on this. Induction experiences vary hugely, they can lead to a cascade of interventions which can be tough. And yes more painful as contractions are stimulated. For what it's worth mine was great, but do make sure you understand the reasons it's been recommended and that you can say no if you want to. Many inductions are completely unnecessary unfortunately.

@mklexie22 how did it go?

My LB was indeed born small at 2.5kgs. He stayed in the neonatal unit for a week due to hypoglycaemia, early sepsis and jaundice, was on NG formula feed as I had no milk yet. Although it was a rough start, he is now thriving, on track with meeting milestones, 4.5 months old and weighs 6.7kgs. From 1.5 centile now to 25 centile curve for weight with height at 61 centile during last check.

To add, placenta was not ideal, the cord wasn't at the center and the cord looked unhealthy. Diagnosed with IUGR and during the contractions, his heart beat slowed down, Only to find out he was hugging the cord. Delivery went smoothly from being induced at 1230PM Sunday 18th Aug and he came out 1229PM the next day. He is now a happy baby and couldnt ask for anything more.

@mklexie22 Incredible news congratulations x