Baby measuring at 4th centile but AC is below the 1st, and quite frankly we’re really worried.

[ForSharpLilacPombear]

Hopefully I’m not the first dad here but assuming not. We found out yesterday after a few episodes of reduced movements that our baby girls is running a lot smaller than we thought, at the 20th week scan she was measured at 16th centile. But now at 28th weeks she’s around the 4th centile for weight and 1st for AC, we’ve been told heartbeat is good, and now she’s moving a lot more. They’ve said blood flow to placenta is good and fluid is a normal amount, so all dopplers and tests are good which is reassuring.

There’s clearly been a drop in growth but we don’t know why yet, assuming it’s the placenta but again can’t guarantee. We’ve been advised to now have scans every 2 weeks for monitoring and we have one in 2 days.

But obviously we’re a little worried and I guess I’m just here to get some reassurance and maybe advice. Has anyone else been in this situation and how was it?

Another question, so the reason we found out was due to episodes of reduced movement which we still get. Did anyone else have that? (She moves a lot some days then seems to have a rest for a few then and back again moving, not consistent)

My partner does have an anterior placenta so that’s probably why we don’t always feel her but just wondered.

Does your partner go in for monitoring every time she fees the baby’s movement is reduced? Because if not she must. Have you been seen/scanned by a fetal medicine consultant?

My second DC was noted as very small at around the same point, I had extra scans and then at around 33 weeks I developed pre eclampsia and was hospitalised (which I figured must be the cause of his growth slowdown). He was born at 35 weeks (induced) weighing 1.7kg. I think he was barely on the chart. He is now 2, 50th percentile (without adjustment), and absolutely perfect. My first DC was also noted as small a little later and I had extra scans but I didn’t develop pre eclampsia and even though he was a bit under average when born he was 99th percentile at his last check. Best of luck OP.

Just know very soon she’ll be safer out than in if the placenta is unreliable, which is my guess given the symptoms. I’d recommend going into triage every time there is reduced movement or if there are any concerning symptoms- including increased movement which can indicate distress too. Remember doctors don’t always act fast enough so you need to be a big advocate for your wife. My baby’s growth slowed dramatically and the doctor wasn’t phased and wanted us to wait for delivery a week later. He even tried to convince me to have a natural birth, despite medical needs for a c section. I pushed to speak to a consultant and requested earlier delivery, citing the stillbirths in my family, and they got her out a few days later. She was quite small and I’m not sure what would have happened if they left her.

Yeahh, so we went in for reduced movement and had a scan last week and we have another in 2 days

Oh okay I didn’t realise increased movements weren’t good either, she’s always been pretty inconsistent in her movements. And had quite and a lively days, just put it down to her using up all her energy and then resting. Good to know though thank youu, all the doctors and midwives around us all seem really on it so hopefully will be okay

Ahh okay thanks for letting me know, it’s reassuring that other people have been in similar situations. My partner was told to take aspirins due to her BMI so hopefully reduce the chance of pre-eclampsia, but again thank you for commenting

Has she been referred to fetal medicine ?
My son started off 25% centile then dropped down to 10%
We then dropped down to 2%
He was born 6lbs 1
After birth he dropped off the scale but then went back up to 50% after few months.
Hes 2 years old now and perfectly healthy.
She should be referred to fetal medicine and id imagine your having frequent growth scans? Just remember theres a 25% margin or error in scans.
I also had reduced movements. Every other day he just wouldn't move. When I had scans tho they could see him moving away but I just couldn't feel it.
You mentioned she's on aspirin due to bmi, im assuming then her bmi is over 30?
In which case that can also make movements a bit more difficult to feel

The growth scans every 2 weeks aren't all they can do. My babies weight bounced all over the place so I had a scan weekly but was a fluid volume and doppler for blood flow through the cord for the one in between. They can also do more regular monitoring with the CTG machine. You should take this up with the consultants to find a strategy you're comfortable with.

Anterior placentas are awful, my friend had one and was permanently on edge as often only felt moving once a day. Are the movements when she feels them all in one place? Could be only feels it when baby is in a certain position. Other factors like increased BMI can also mask. You could also get a blood pressure monitor for home to make sure BP is stable.

Unfortunately you're just going to have to go every time and get checked.

I was in a really similar situation with my DD. Everything fine at 20 week scan but I’d not really felt movement by 24 weeks and a scan showed she was small (6th centile). I started with 2 weekly growth scans and she continued to drop. Once she was below the 3rd centile they continued the growth scans but I also had dopplers and fluid checks twice a week which would indicate a placenta issue if there was one. The aim was to get to 37 weeks to try and get her above 2kg. No restrictions ever flagged up on the dopplers and on my last scan the day before 37 weeks they said it was time and sometimes babies just grow better on the outside. She was born 4lb 11oz which was 0.7% but healthy and is now on 9th centile at 9 months. My placenta was taken and checked but they never did find an issue or anything that caused the growth problems. Do reach out if you have any questions, I know I was beside myself with worry the whole pregnancy