Anyone with experience of potential IUGR?

[Foxybabyhg3]

Ok, my BP is always on the high side, not dangerous, just higher than "normal". Also always have protein in urine. Anyway, on 29th May at a growth scan at 27+3 they said the EDF (flow from placenta to baby was absent)-the week before baby was measuring below the 5th centile. Anyway, my consultant (Dr McLellan @ Wishaw) took me and scanned me herself and baby was measuring in the 34th centile and EDF was present but restricted. So I was told the goal was to get to 32weeks, have steroids and be delivered. I'd have to be admitted for the shots as I'm diabetic and the steroids mess with glucose levels.
Fast fwd to 3rd June, scan showed EDF normal good flow, no growth measurements as too soon after previous one (usually fortnightly). Then on Thursday, the EDF was intermittent, then when put on the trace for baby I kept losing the heartbeat as I have to hold it as the straps don't hold it on for some reason, anyway even after my explanation, they got worried as raised BP and decided to admit me to L&D for steroids. Dr Mc was on hols and no-one listened to me when I was saying that the BP is normal for me. A diff consult Dr "A" came in and said they'd do the steroids, only 2 shots over 24hrs then can go home till they decide best to deliver. I said I'd wait for DH and then she could tell us together in case I misunderstood. Later Dr "B" came and said they'd be delivering Monday (tomorrow) cos of the high BP & flow, I basically said not in your nelly till I've had another scan for flow. She laughed in my face. She said once steroids done they look to deliver in a matter of days and she said this baby was coming out of me next week! She then relented and was given another scan on Friday. Flow checked 5 times, all good. Dr "C" then saw me and said no reason to deliver at this time and he wants to see me at his clinic next week. He's looking to deliver at 30w. I'm terrified, all conflicting info I just want baby to be safe. They've done further traces, all good (found a way to keep monitor still) good movement. Has private 3d scan yesterday, flow good, bubs a little small but healthy. I'm in the diabetes maternity day care tomorrow and Dr Mc is back and I'd rather go with what she says as she's been there from the start and knows what's normal for me. Even a midwife said Dr Mc wouldn't be happy for someone else to make decisions about her patient without speaking to her. I'm so scared as its so so early for baby. I just want her to be ok. I know once flow stops altogether they'll deliver, I get that, but it's not and baby is still growing. I don't have pre-e as my high BP has been there throughout. Anyone had anything similar?

 

[Dinah93]

While it's scary a 30 weeker is actually considered rather boring in nicu terms, they're unlikely to need much oxygen support, maybe a little extra in their incubator for a few days but no invasive measures like cpap or a vent. 30 weekers are usually known as feeders and growers, they're in to get a bit bigger, to learn to suck and feed as it can be tiring when they're so small but you don't expect huge drama with them. Your doctors aren't helping by giving such contradictory messages, they do need to monitor flow and growth, if the baby stops growing, or significantly falls off her growth curve then it's time to be born. My DD was considered IUGR due to high bp, as she was 1lb 15oz (about the size of a 26 weeker) at 28 weeks. Steriods are most effective if given within 7 days of giving birth, after that they loose their potency, so the doctors are trying to play a fine balancing act between letting your LO cook as long as possible, getting the best from the steroids and wanting a safe delivery if there are concerns over the placenta. I hope they get some answers for you and can give you some reassurance at a very scary time.

 

[vermeil]

Hello! Yikes, what a mess of info. Just wanted to share some encouraging news - my son was an extreme case of IUGR - He was born at 27 weeks, was 2nd percentile, had the weight of a 23 weeker at 1lb4oz. The blood blow had completely reversed at that point (ie was negative - he was receiving 0 blood flow). They gave us tons of doom and gloom statistics. But he`s 3 now, healthy and alert, so far *knock on wood* no signs of him being a micro preemie.

You can see pics below

Good luck

 

[Foxybabyhg3]

Thanks so much ladies-you've both certainly eased my mind. Yesterday was a better day at my appt. Flow is still intermittent but present, CTG perfect for gestation, BP down, Protein in urine low, increased my insulin-Dr Mc said that's a good sign that the placenta is still working as if not I'd be hypo-ing. I asked her if I could push to 34 weeks-she said no but smiled so I think she's feeling confident, which helps. I'll keep you updated

 

[sbl]

No experience of IUGR but I have experience of NICU/SCBU (lo born at 35 weeks) and can tell you most 30 weekers do great.
Also the fact you are having a girl is great as any NICU/SCBU nurses I spoke to said girls generally do better quicker than boys.