Neonatal unit for 4lbs 4 birth

[Jenna62]

36 weeks baby weight is 4lb 4 they are taking me in next week for c section because of this and are talking about him being in special care due to his weight. I didnt think this weight was that small. Has anyone else had a baby around this weight and not had to go to special care.

That is not a valid reason to carry out a C-section. Are you sure? That’s the only reason?

Had emergency c section with previous baby who was also small. They said because he has fell under the lines on growth chart he could possibly have fetal growth syndrome and c section was best option

It’s quite little but it may be a very short stay if everything is otherwise alright. They’ll likely want to check he can maintain his blood sugar, maintain his body temp and feed properly. If he can then it might only be a few hours.

do they know why he is small?

for what it’s worth I was born at 4lb 7oz at 36+6 nearly 40 years ago. I’m not sure if I was in SCBU or not but I know I was home by Xmas and my bday is the 23rd December.

They thought placenta issues but all my scans haven't brought any placenta problems up. I am on medication that they say baby could be reliant on so don't know if that's why they want to keep an eye on him. All the scans show good blood flow everything else is fine bar being small

My baby stopped growing at the same point as yours as I had IUGR and I had a planned c section. I was given steroid injections for her lungs. She was taken straight to NICU but only needed to stay a few days.

When I delivered they realized I had a calcified placenta which had caused her very slow growth. She was better out than in.

She was just four tiny pounds when born, the smallest baby I'd ever seen in real life.

She's a lovely 12 year old now ❤️best of luck OP.

Have steroid injections Monday Tuesday her took in Wednesday morning I'm terrified

I think the obstetricians involved in OPs care are better placed to make that decision.

I think most postnatal wards have a cut off for babies to be admitted with Mum, under which baby would need to be in scbu. 4lb 4 is 1.8kg and I think 2kg is a common cut off for routine care on the postnatal ward. And honestly you want baby to be where they get the most appropriate care. Most babies born at 36 weeks do really well and don't need to stay long, especially if they take to feeding well straight away 🙂

Good luck OP, I hope it all goes well!

They maybe wrong about babies weight
Iv had afew friends where the hospital have said baby is very small but they were 6/7 lbs and also had friends where hospital have said they were big and theve been born on the smaller side at 5/6 lbs

Hope your baby is a juicy weight and doesnt need to spend any time away from you

i had a 4lb 5oz baby at 34 weeks. He was in SCBU for 3 weeks and that was to ensure he was able to regulate his temperature and feed well (he was tube fed the first 2 weeks). At the 3 week point when they were happy to discharge him I had to stay on the post natal ward for the weekend, feeding him myself and once they were happy he was doing that well and gaining weight we went home.
its scary, and feels at the time like you’re there forever but 13 years later it’s a distant memory and he’s doing fabulously. SCBU staff were the best, and we were very well looked after.

Baby might be fine. But also mig hurt need some help.

what medication if you don’t mind me asking (NICU nurse here)

but previous poster is right, 4lb 4 is too small for the guidelines on postnatal and they’ll struggle to keep him warm etc x

Dehydrcodine and sertaline

Which is why I was asking is it the only reason, it doesn’t make sense? And weight is very difficult to ascertain accurately in utro

Yes that's the reason why they are continuing to offer me a c section after it came back there was no placenta issues

All I can say is you are entitled to a second third and fourth opinion if you want one. It’s really hard to guesstimate the weight of a baby. I’ve been told one was going to be enormous and was born at 7 pounds after induction. Told was going to be super small also born at 7 pounds

Your baby could grow another 2lbs if carried to 39-41 weeks. Mine was a similar weight as yours is currently at 36 weeks but born at 39 weeks at just over 6 1/2 lbs. Not a c section.

I mean, absolutely listen to the health care professionals, but also your gut.
I was told at 36 weeks I would need a csec because baby was measuring small, although had no evidence for placenta issues or any other restrictions, was only due to fundual height change and then a scan estimated to be only 4lbs something. She was also breach.
I refused, got her flipped, and she was born naturally no problems at 6lbs 3oz. (Second was born no weight issues during gestation at 6lbs 14lb so it's not like 1st was dramatically different)

Can you insist on closer monitoring if you want to avoid an early birth and potential nicu stay?

C section tomorrow morning. Had second round of steroids injections today so will let yous know the outcome of weight. No doubt won't be able to sleep tonight with worry

Good luck, silver linings, you get to meet your baby tomorrow! 🥰

Good luck! I had poor blood flow through one of my uterine arteries which caused DD1 some issues. She had a NICU stay (but not connected solely to her weight). She was 2.5kg at birth in the end (38w), dropped to 0.4th centile and stayed there for quite a while but once we got weaning, shot up to her more "natural" centile, ie. more in line with me and DH. So please don't worry - these little babies can absolutely thrive and being on SCBU for a few days can give you access to lots of extra support. Ours had a specialist feeding team for help breastfeeding for example if that is something you want to try. Try and get some rest because it won't be long before baby is in your arms.

My first was born at 35 weeks and was 4lb 7. He spent a week in nicu.

Try not to worry - they’ll look after you both. Good luck

Best of luck this morning OP! Just think it's only a few more hours til you meet your precious little one ❤️

He arrvied at half nine this morning weighing 4lbs 8 ounces perfectly healthy. We are snuggled up back on ward watching e4 he's totally content.

Beautiful, congratulations. Enjoy your little boy @Jenna62🥰

Congratulations!

Massive congratulations 🎉