34 wks - small baby

[Lolalules]

Hi all, somehow we’re now at 34 weeks which is crazy! It’s been slightly stressful because i had a low papp-a result at 12 weeks and since week 20 baby has been measuring small (20wks - 16th centile; 30 - 6th; 32 - 8.5, 34 - 8.2 centile).

They’re an active baby and placenta/fluid is good but I’ve been told that i will potentially be pre-term, may need to be induced early and also won’t be able to have a midwife-led birth in the birthing centre. I was really hoping for this and to have as natural a birth as possible so I’m a but disappointed.

Has anyone had a small baby and not been induced early? And been able to have a birthing centre birth despite being below 10th centile?

Thanks!

[Hidden]

Not very relevant, but I was induced in the delivery suite and had a great experience....just wanted to write just in case that happens for you too....midwifes were amazing and we had a very private, peaceful aftermath with the baby.

Delivery suite is not all bad in my experience xxx

[DianeArnold Partner in reply to Hidden]

Hi. Your baby has time to grow yet, as that is all he/she has to do now. The midwives will still be looking after you, just with consultant input. Good luck. Diane

[Jumpppy]

I'd ask more questions about "why" they'd induce you early. How early is "early?" Pre-term is before 37,0 - so in less than 3 weeks for you.Typically "small" baby isn't the reason if everything is proportional (and you've had testing to rule out chromosomal issues - I assume you did after the papp-a result, but maybe not?). I'd question whether they are seeing something on the anatomy that is concerning (if you've not been told). Babies with suspected issues are induced early so it reduces the chance of stillbirth as babies who are stuggling really struggle in the last few weeks - not simply small babies.

If they are seeing something you should be informed so you can get the support you need to take care of your precious once it arrives.

In case it helps ultrasound measurementsare notoriously wrong, I was told my first 2 would be "big" - first was spot on 50% and 2nd was 5% percentile. This 3rd they say is "small" but they now assume I have "small babies." The femur is 50% percentile but every thing else is 15%-25%. They are not worried and told me we'll just have to see when it arrives.

Good luck - ask your questions and make them give you the "whys" - I had a "birth surprise" with my first and it was traumatizing...wouldn't wish it on anyone.

[Lolalules in reply to Jumpppy]

thank you so much for taking the time to reply - your input was really useful for my tel appointment with the consultant today.

They’ve stated that baby is proportional but small. Growth is currently consistent but just on a smaller scale - doppler and fluid all fine. They want to induce me early if baby stays below 10th centile because as standards they induce at 39 weeks for babies that are 3-10 centile. Also said it’s too risky for me to be at the birth centre which is really disappointing.

A birth surprise doesn’t sound fun at all 😞