Anyone having regular growth scans due to risk of IUGR?

[Marie131]

zombiedaisy, I'm glad to hear that your baby is a good size now. Hopefully baby will stay that way

Crayz, our little girlie has a hole in her bowel. The doctors aren't sure whether she will need surgery for it or not, once she comes out they will do tests to see to what extent the damage is and if it requires repair. She will be IV fed until then.

Interesting about the link with heart issues and IUGR. I wonder if the IUGR could cause the heart problems? The doctors suspect that our bowel issue could be the result of IUGR as more nutrients are directed to the brain at the expense of other organs (bowel in our case).

And to the doctors who even suggest that this could be the pregnant woman's fault. The vast majority of us are so careful, we reduce our caffeine intake, avoid deli meat, sushi, soft cheese etc etc..I guess it must be all that cocaine in the first trimester Puuuleese! Unbelievable!

 

[Crayz]

Marie, I remember now. I'm so sorry (I tell people to never tell me they're sorry about my daughter's health) that you are going through this. Your LO has made it much farther than they predicted, and doctors are not always right. Not saying that she doesn't have a bowel issue, but that that's hopefully all it is.

I agree about the link with congenital defects and IUGR, but I think it's the other way around for the heart. As in, the heart causes the IUGR. Baby's heart forms in the first 8 weeks, and sometimes things don't close where they are supposed to or whatever the case. I think that may cause them to have issues with growth. She has issues with growth still. It took her 5 weeks to put on one pound in the NICU. She didn't grow any faster outside the womb than she did inside, until she got her diuretics and she wasn't breathing so heavy and burning so many calories.

I know it's scary for you to think about the tests for genetic defects. They did blood work on Yeardley a few weeks ago and said it was "Unimpressive." It was just routine blood work to check electrolytes, liver, yada, yada. I know they'll want to do genetic testing on her and I'm petrified. Like I just don't want to know because it will devestate me to know that if it's something serious, she may have to struggle. Nobody wants that for their child.

I guess I need to make peace with the fact that she could have a chromosomal abnormality before I can have her tested. Right now she's gaining weight, holding her head up, repeating noises, and social smiling, so I'm relieved about that!!

 

[Marie131]

Crayz, do they have any reason to suspect chromosomal issues? I am really worried about this. At first, our peri thought it was the only explanation but it seems to have become less and less likely as we progress. I did the quad test which came back high risk for down syndrome, but MFM doesn't think it's likely. Still, I worry that there is something. I think the neonatologist suggested we only do a chromosome analysis if there are any signs of abnormalities after baby is born, but I know genetics wants it regardless. It's hard to think of how difficult it would be to support a little one who has significant issues.

 

[Marie131]

I am so stressed out right now. I am supposed to deliver sometime this upcoming week or next. My parents are supposed to be watching my 3 kids while I'm in the hospital. My mother has shingles, my father has bronchitis (but won't see the doctor) and they are upset that I don't want to leave the kids w/ them (like I really want them to come back to me sick!). I have no back up babysitters. My ILs are useless and my friends are busy. My best hope is my SIL but I am not holding my breath on her. Gah!

I hope they let me go to 36 weeks and my parents get over their illnesses. I need some support people!

 

[Crayz]

Marie, I don't think she has any chromosome abnormalities, but the doctor said that while I was pregnant, it could be a reason for her IUGR. Of course I think she's perfect! She just looks like a little doll. I'll have to post pictures. I'm sure when we get back to the states they'll want to do a bunch of blood work on her to rule anything out, but I've done so much research she doesn't fit the criteria for anything that I've read about. Nothing of that nature runs on either side of our families either.

I really hope your LO is okay and that it's just the bowel. Doctors aren't always right either. Just remember that. They're JUST doctors, not saints. And they also tell you worst case scenario because that is their job. So don't stress too much honey.

I'm so sorry about what you're going through. We live in a foreign country, so we've had no help from family as they are on the other side of the planet. I am feeling your pain. It will all work itself out, I promise. Someone will step up to the plate. When you have a preemie, the support you receive is unbelievable. Why don't men ever go to the doctor?? And shingles? I can TOTALLY understand why you don't want them to watch the kids. Besides, that's really not safe for you to be around because you're pregnant! That generation is all about "walking it off." Like, "Hey, I smoked 8 packs a day while I was pregnant with you and let all you kids sleep on your stomachs and you all turned out fine, so why should it matter that we're sick?"

Ship them to Japan! We'll take them!

 

[Marie131]

Ship them to Japan! We'll take them!

Tempting!!

I'm glad to hear that any abnormalities seem unlikely for your LO. I'm sure I'll feel a lot better when this little one is out and I can see her for myself. I don't think my team thinks chromosomes are an issue here, but they can't rule it out.

I need to relax. My head is spinning. Yesterday, I was so preoccupied w/ how we were going to sort everything out that I completely forgot to eat dinner. Today, I realized that I skipped lunch. This is not the best thing for a pregnant lady with an IUGR baby. It is good to hear that preemie parents get lots of support. Many of my neighbours have offered help, but I feel bad taking it! Maybe I need to get over that.

 

[Crayz]

My doctor said the same thing. She didn't see any of the normal red flags for chromosome issues. It's good to hear that from your doctor, so I'm glad they are telling you the same!

I did that a lot too when I was pregnant from the stress (forgetting to eat). I found that drinking my protein helped with that a lot. I would make myself tons of shakes with protein powder, milk, bananas, strawberries, yogurt, peanut butter... Things like that. You already have that insatiable thirst 24/7, so drinking your meals makes it a little easier. I know you only have about a week to go, but it's worth a shot just until LO arrives.

It's a huge relief once they are born. After that, you have a whole new set of issues to worry about (sorry, but it's the truth). I have to admit that my anxiety got SO MUCH better after she was born. I could see her, I knew what was wrong, I no longer had that unknown feeling. I hope the same for you.

Take advantage of people wanting to help! It will save your sanity!!

 

[vixxen]

hi ladies yep im also in the chromosone testing group lol.
I was also told the abnomalities with the heart caused the IUGR, which in my babies case aint the 3 pda's i was first told but 3 vsd's!
Marie am thinking of you especially this week, update us all when you can!
Crayz don't those diaretics make our babies pee like crazy!really soaks the nappies
All you other ladies hoping you are all well!

 

[tishtosh]

Had the mw today and am measuring spot on for dates. No protein in the urine this time which is good.

All looks fine and as it should be, have another scan two weeks today.

 

[Marie131]

Vixxen, how is your little one doing?

TishTosh, glad to hear everything is still going great.

Tomorrow is growth scan day and I'm not holding my breath for good news. I saw my m/w today and my fundal height was 1cm less than it was a week and a half ago. I'm now measuring 4 weeks behind so unless baby is way down in my pelvis I haven't had much growth. Induction day could be soon.

 

[Crayz]

Oh Marie, I hope your growth scan goes well. I know how stressful those are. I would always know it was going to be bad news. I even told my doctor, "You're awesome, but I hate seeing you."

Plus she would always stay very quiet during scans. That was the worst. She said she was going to work on that, lol.

Good luck honey, I hope the news is surprisingly good!

 

[vixxen]

Dee is having her surgery today!!

 

[Crayz]

Oh my gosh Vicky, good luck!! Please let me know how it goes as Yeardley will probably need the same surgery!

Lots of prayers coming your way honey!

 

[Firedancer41]

Wow, I can relate to many of these posts!

Mr drs. have not used the term IUGR, but I've had 3 U/Ss so far, and at all of them, the femur bone has measured small, around the 5th percentile.

At my 3rd, most recent scan, the U/S doc said that the head was now in the normal range, whereas it was measuring small on the previous two. I was like, huh? No one ever mentioned that before! And now with the 3rd scan, they've noted the abdomen is also measuring small. Baby's weight falls within the lower end of the "normal" range.

I am so stressed out beyond belief with this pregnancy, which is hard because I have 4 other kids at home from a high school freshman down to a 19-month old. I can't just "take it easy" and rest and by the evening I am exhausted! And with all my other pregnancies, there was never any problems indicated, so this makes me feel like something serious is going to be wrong with this baby. I keep telling myself it's just a tiny babe. My dr. said he doesn't suspect any chromosomal abnormalities, esp. since there are no other "markers" seen, but I am 39 so I keep getting the "advanced maternal age" label.

I was scheduled for a repeat c-section at 39 weeks, but now they are talking about delivering sooner at 37 weeks, which is not much more than a month away.

I'm thinking and praying for all you ladies in this thread, and hoping y'all will do the same for us!

 

[Marie131]

Oh Vixxen, I am thinking and praying for your baby girl today! (great name choice by the way - she has the same name as me ).

Hi Firedancer, I am sorry your baby is measuring small but glad you found us here. I can understand your difficulty in taking it easy, I've got 3 boys all 7 and under. There is no taking it easy. I am also worried about something being wrong w/ our baby but from the majority of the posts I've ready from IUGR mommies most of these babies come out healthy just small. I am hoping and praying that is case for us both

 

[Marie131]

Just wanted to update; I had my growth scan today and baby is estimated to have grown a POUND in 2 weeks!!!!!!! So I am not delivering this week and probably not next week either 36 weeks seems to be the yard stick now, I might even get to 37+0 but I'm not sure if I'll get any more than that....and that is just fine with me

Baby's bowel is also looking good. I'm not 100% clear, but I think it might actually appear normal!

So all this is good news, however, since the placenta seems to be working the doctor is sure there must be some other cause so now of course I am freaking out over chromosomes Hopefully that is not the issue.

 

[Crayz]

Marie, that is SUCH GREAT NEWS!

I'm so happy for you! A whole pound! That is quite a growth spurt!

If the bowel is normal, then it may be you just have a tiny little peanut!

HOORAY!!!

 

[Firedancer41]

A pound-that's great news, Marie!

I know it's hard not to think of worst-case-scenario, but I keep telling myself that all babies grow differently and at their own pace.

 

[bbkf]

Hey guys wanted your advice I'm due to be induced 2morrow night at 40+1 due to reduced growth and I'm pretty worried! I feel like I don't no what's goin on, origionally my consultant said I'd go in they'd check my cervix and if I was unfavourable they'd do a section, if I was favourable they'd induce as my doc saiid he doesn't want me going overdue, sooo I was happy with this plan but iv seen he has written in my notes if unfavourable wait a few days with monitoring. Now this isn't what he origionally said to me and I'm now I'm worried I'm gunna go for my induction tomorroe n be sent home to wait if I'm unfavourable

If I am unfavourable would they try pessaries or just send me home to wait? I'm not happy leaving it because the whole point was to not do overdue and I'm worried about the placenta ect if they try and send me home can I insist on either being induced or being booked for a section????

Any advice would be appreciated I was happy with the origional plan n I feel like ther goin back on their own advice

 

[Marie131]

I have no advice, bbkf, but wanted to wish you luck