Slowed fetal growth at 36 weeks

[Sid2024]

I went in for a scan today as my baby was breech. We were checking to see if the baby had flipped (which it has) but by chance they have picked up that the baby is now measuring in the 12th centile for growth. 3 weeks ago it was measuring in the 33rd centile so it's quite a drop in 3 weeks. They have recommended I be induced in a weeks time, which we had agreed to. I was told it's not a massive worry until the baby is in the 10th centile, but they were concerned enough to want to induce me. The baby has only put on 0.8lbs in 3 weeks

If it's an issue with my placenta, will the babys development be affected? Has anyone else had experience with babies growth slowing down close to the end? They estimate the baby is now around 5.2lbs. I know babies can be born small, I am just worried that it hasn't been getting the right nutrients for a number of weeks now which is what is causing it to be small. Anyone else had experience and their babies are okay?

Hi yes this happened to me in my first pregnancy. It wasn’t picked up until a little later although I had been having growth scans the results were a little all over the place. I was induced at 39 weeks and DS was on the second centile weighing 5lb 10 oz. He was absolutely fine although he’s 14 months old now and still small for his age.

It’s good that there is a plan in place for you. Have they stressed the importance of reduced movement? It’s more important with a baby with slow growth to be vigilant to changes. If you have an induction I would prepare for the fact you may end up with a section as small babies don’t like the induction as much. I had a section with DS.

Besides his size there have been no issues with DS development. He crawled at 6 months and walked at 11 months. Hit all his milestones no problem.

my first abdomen was 1-2% and induced at 40+1 because then she was dropping in growth over all. her head was >99% until week 32 when it alos started dropping.
My second was abdomen 5-15% depending, not induced came by himself 40+1

my third one now is a bit below average overall BUT abdomen is only6%. his abdominal size dropped from 57% at 32 weeks to 6%. Altho my dr is not at all worried and didnt even mention it. I did... because I saw it and I am an over analyser.

the heads tho are always huge >99% until 37 weeks with my previous son. I hope with this one also as I am 36 weeks now and it was still over 99%.

They were 2kg800, 2kg 950 at birth so on the lighter side but still normal. They did end u tallest of the class both of them lol XD

My DD was growing fine until my 36w scan when they noticed her stomach had started reducing in size so they booked me in for induction 5 days later but I ended in EMCS so DD was born at 37w2d and 2.8kg. She is now 3 and very tall for her age. She is healthy and thriving. Has been developing just fine since birth.

I had this. Four weeks later I had an 8 pound baby who is now over 6 foot tall