Small baby at growth scan

I had my 32 week growth scan yesterday. They said baby is small. He’s only in the 3rd percentile when he should be in the 10th or more… they are now tracking him more. I have to get weekly ultrasounds over the next 3 weeks. They are going to see how he grows & if he is getting enough nutrients from the placenta. If he is, they are going to leave him in as long as they can (I’m due 11/27. If he’s not growing, they want to induce me at 35 weeks because they believe he’ll have a better chance of growing outside the womb.

I’m so overwhelmed and anxious. I feel like it’s my fault and my bodies fault. I’m also totally not prepared to have my baby here in 3 weeks verse when he’s due in 8 weeks. It’s all such a shock after having such a healthy pregnancy. Just feeling very emotional.

Read more on Peanut

The views expressed in community are solely the opinions of participants, and do not reflect those of Peanut.

Learn more about our guidelines.

Add a comment

Hey, something like this isn't yours or your body's fault. Sadly, it can just happen sometimes but thankfully the doctors were able to catch it and plan what will be best for both you and baby! And who knows maybe he's just a slow grower and will start growing more now slightly later in the pregnancy!

This is not your fault Kelly! We can’t control all that happens during our pregnancies. I know nothing helps right now but I will keep you and your baby in my prayers that’s the baby pushes through strong ❤️

My cousin had this issue and her son was delivered at 36 weeks and did significantly better outside of the womb. 3 weeks in nicu and he was home.

I've been going through this my whole pregnancy. Our baby girl measures small, and I'm high risk due to my autoimmune disease. It's super scary to hear and stressful but as long as every time you go in there is growth, that's a good thing and nothing to worry about. It's precautions they are taking and so many factors can play into it, so don't blame yourself love.

Had this issue with both of my daughters and went into labor at 37 weeks with my first (5lbs 3oz) and ended up being induced at 37 weeks with my second. (4lbs 10oz) Both were born healthy and happy babies! It’s not your fault, they maybe right baby will probably do better outside the womb… if his growth scans go fine try to have them hold off until 37 weeks before they induce you. You’re doing fine and these things just happen… I believe everything will be fine for you momma.

It’s not your fault. I had my first kid at 35 weeks and 4 days due to her being small’ she only spend 10’days in the nicu. She’s 15 month now and thriving . Walking and it’s solid 23 lbs 🥳!

It will be well!

She was at 3 percent when she was born

You are absolutely not at fault. Things happen with pregnancy and they truly can’t no be helped. Your care team will help guide you through. I see you are from Montco so I know what you have an incredible team around you. Some of the absolute best people practice in SEPA. Take it one day at a time and please please please do not blame yourself

I went through this and my boyfriend found a protein supplement on Amazon. My baby gained almost a full pound in 2 weeks.
https://amzn.to/3PKJgM0

My baby was down in the 5th percentile and now he is up in the 13th percentile. And they no longer want to induce me earlier 36-38 week they said they can wait until week 39 now. I also drank ensure/boost but it made me gain a lot of weight fast.

I’m going through the same thing. My girl is growing well but boy is small. My doc suggested increasing protein by adding shakes (2 a day for me) in addition to what I’m already eating. I get my growth check on Friday. They are planning for me to deliver at 36 or 37 weeks depending on results. I am currently 34 weeks.

in our community

Oh my God, oh my God I hope this is not true!!!! I’m kind of scared

I’ve been throwing up and taking a shit all night!!! I just hope that it’s not what I think it is

Small head reported following 20 week scan

Has anyone else had it flagged that their baby is in the bottom 5th percentile for head size?

They said everything was fine whilst we were in the scan and then I got a phone call the next day saying that it’s on the small side and we’re being referred to a paediatric specialist at St George’s. Has anyone else had this and how did things go??

Would you bring 9 week old to a family party of 35+ people?

These are also people who will want to pass the baby around and get a turn to hold him. He just got his 2 month shots two days ago

Exercise 6 weeks after c section

What movement did people start to introduce? I won’t do anything too vigorous until I’ve seen the pelvic physio as I don’t want to compromise anything that may have been extremely weakened through pregnancy! But just wondering what types of classes/movement people started off with?

Induction experience

I just wanted to share my experience with being induced as I wasn’t sure what to expect and thought it may help others.

I opted for the foley balloon which was inserted at 8am Saturday morning, I had to stay in hospital due to hypertension and protein urine however usually you can just go home once this has been done. The insertion of the balloon was not painful, was slightly uncomfortable as there was slight pressure. I actually found having the cervix checked prior to be worse (again not painful at this point just uncomfortable) The balloon had little effect and after having it removed I was still only 1cm. Removal also was pain free and hardly even noticeable.

I then had my first dose of the gel and definitely noticed a difference, I started experiencing period like cramps almost immediately however they were light and manageable. After 6 hours I had another cervix check and although my cervix was soft it was still only 1cm and was only open at the front. I had another dose of the gel and felt an increase in pressure and more intense cramping where I now required pain relief (codeine). After another 6 hours I had another cervix check and I had now dilated to 2-3cm however was still quite difficult to get all the way through so a third gel was recommended which I agreed to.

Almost immediately I noticed the difference and was in considerable pain, I had paracetamol and codeine however the contractions had now become intense and a lot closer together (around 3 minutes apart). After a couple of hours I had my last cervix check and was 4cm and taken down to the Labour ward to have my waters broken and an epidural.

I had been in my room for approx 20minutes when my waters broke by themselves and I was now 10cm and actively pushing…. There was no time for the epidural and my beautiful girl arrived into the world within 2 minutes of pushing.

All in all I would say the cramps/contractions were manageable up until the third gel where it became pretty unbearable however it was for a very short time a gas and air helped take the edge off. The worst part about any of it was actually the later cervix checks where after stimulating the cervix my contractions were at their most painful.

If I had to be induced again I would skip the balloon and opt for the gels immediately as thy had a quicker effect and I would have been out a lot sooner if I had done this to begin with.

One more thing, I’ve never believed when people say “you forget the pain once they’re here” but I can honestly say this is true. It’s been 4 days and I would do it all again in a heartbeat.

Anyone else experiencing this?

Gave birth (vagina) 5 days ago and yesterday morning and this morning getting lot of pain in my right bottom side and lower back