Baby has dropped in percentile, I'm a total mess

[RinnaRoo]

So I've been getting bi-weekly scans for growth and monitoring. My scan two weeks ago showed that her head and belly were around 2-3 weeks behind and she was in the 28th centile. I spoke with Dr about it and he said we had this suspected IUGR, but she does great on her NSTs and BPP scans so now we are headed in the direction that she's just small. He also said that if her growth drops then she will be induced after I turn 39 weeks which is this Thursday. I was pretty ok with that.
So I had a growth scan yesterday and she is now in the 13th centile and her belly and head are 3 weeks + behind. The sono tech called the office, which was closed and then called L and D. The Dr up there said she got 8 out of 8 on her BPP and this is something that my normal Dr should address. They made sure I had an appt this week, and told me to hurry up if I have any symptoms.
So here I am, stewing on the fact that I could have a baby this weekend but I don't have confirmation. I'm had vaginal and bum pressure, heavy period cramps and contractions. I'm so irritated and snapping at everyone. I'm just a total mess.
What do you ladies think about this whole thing?

 

[Rcx]

I don't have much advice on the size issues as it's not something I've experiences but just wanted to send hugs! It's horrible when you're scared and it affects everyone around you. Try to relax, I know it's hard but once baby is here you will wonder what all the worry was about xx

 

[ItsJana]

I would try to mentally prepare that baby could come sooner. I had dd1 at 35 weeks due to various issues, but one being IUGR. No matter what the situation is out of your control, enjoy the rest of your week and indulge in things you wouldn't be able to do (or would be too tired to do) if you had a newborn.

 

[RinnaRoo]

It's odd because all of her Dopplers look ok. Why is she so small then? Why has it stopped? She hasn't been moving super awesome today either, I'm getting kicks but it's a struggle.

 

[CastawayBride]

I would be fighting to get that baby out ASAP. Not to scare you but things can change, and fast.

It appears baby needs to come out as they have not only stopped growing, they are regressing. I would just be on the phone and insist they deal with this.

 

[Hoping4Four]

Sometimes there's no clear reason as to why IUGR happens.. I was never given any definite answers with my first baby. I was induced at 37+6 because her growth had near enough stopped. I was just told it could be my placenta not working properly. Thankfully it's not happened again since, so it's just one of those things unfortunately.

I'm so sorry you're in this position, but by the sounds of it your body is doing all the right things and that baby will be on her way soon one way or another. I'd be willing to bet they will induce you at 39 weeks, and fingers crossed the process will be quick and easy for you since you're already contracting and (hopefully) dilating!

Best of luck, I remember how awful it is not knowing what to expect. Hang in there, you'll be meeting your little girl soon

 

[RinnaRoo]

That's what it is, it's the not knowing. I'm such a planner and it's driving me insane.

 

[minties]

That sounds so scary! What were her measurements? I don't have any personal experience but I myself was an IUGR baby as was my younger brother. I stayed small (short) but my brother is over 6 feet tall now.

My mum still recalls the worry and upset, she was in hospital for the last 10 weeks of pregnancy.

 

[bumpbear]

Personally, under the circumstances, I think I would prefer to have the baby out this weekend and would be preparing for that. You are full term and the baby could come at any point anyway so I am sure you have everything ready to go! I'm sorry it's stressful not knowing if it's IUGR or not, but in terms of being ready to bring a baby home, you're at that point anyway. Don't stress! x

 

[RinnaRoo]

Let's see, I'm 38 weeks, 39 on Thursday. Her femur is at 37+4, head was at 34 average with almost a dozen measurements, and belly was at 35-36 weeks after almost a dozen measurements.
She did gain weight and is over 6lbs, so that's reassuring. I really think she will be out within the week. I trust this Dr.
As far as movement, I was this close to going to L and D when I just decided to drink cold water and have something to eat. She's moving quite well.

 

[kitty_el]

My first daughter was IUGR she barely grew between 34 and 37 weeks, she was born on the 0.3rd percentile.
I'm 34 weeks pregnant this time and have been having growth scans from 28 weeks. At 32 weeks her growth dropped off the bottom of the chart again so less than 10% her tummy is measuring 4 weeks behind. I've got another growth scan today and consultant will decide what to do.
I personally wouldn't feel comfortable with a 37 week baby going any further and would be pushing for an induction ASAP.
My first daughter was born at 37 weeks and although she was tiny and super skinny she was perfect and had no health issues.

Good luck xxx

 

[kksy9b]

My LO was small my entire pregnancy and had several growth scans from 24 weeks on. At 38 weeks he was measuring more than 3 weeks back but weight was just over 6 pounds. He wound up being 12 days late and weighing 6 lbs 13 oz (15th percentile). At 4 months old, he is now over 16 pounds and on 80th percentile for weight. I have no experience with IUGR and it is definitely something to watch (and fetal movement...I would call your doctor right away if you have any worries). But some babies are just smaller... it was kind of nice because he fit in his newborn clothes until he was 10 weeks or so so we got lots of use out of them Good luck and I am sure that in the end everything will be fine!

 

[RinnaRoo]

UPDATE
So I had my appt today and Dr looked at the last three growth scans and feels like she is ok in there. I had an NST done as well and he liked the results of that. He said that she gained weight and he feels that's what's most important. He addressed my ankles and feet, which were swelling on the regular, pitting some days. He also took my BP twice which was slightly elevated. Checked my urine and that was also ok. Then he checked my cervix, I'm at 4cm and 50% effaced so that's really good. He said once I rock her forward, she's gonna be out of there.
I feel pretty good about the whole thing. I asked a ton of questions and he was very kind about the whole thing. He will also be in L and D all weekend so here's to hoping.
I'm mowing the lawn and doing the trim tomorrow. Walking and squating too.

 

[kksy9b]

Great news!! Hopefully she will be here soon for you! 4cm is "active labor" (though for me, it was 4 days later before full labor kick started). I wouldn't think it will be much longer for you Keep us posted!

 

[RinnaRoo]

Thanks! I sure will. I've been having pretty regular contractions since around 8pm.

 

[ItsJana]

Great news! So excited for you to see you baby soon.

 

[kksy9b]

Wonderful! Fx'd this is it for you!

 

[SisterRose]

I think they will induce soon, especially at 39 weeks with signs of growth reducing. Baby is fully baked now and will grow better on the outside.

my last two babies were sga/iugr with second baby lagging behind most, she was born in 1st centile for measurments and weighed 5lb 5oz. She was great once she was out, fed like a trooper and gained weight very quickly and is now a very healthy 10 month old!
i was also getting reduced movement towards the end and hardly felt any rolls, kicks or movements and i pushed for earlier induction, only by a few days but glad that i did as i just felt then and still do now that something wasn't right. Xx

edit: i have just seen youre having contractions and baby may be coming anyway! Yay! Best l
of luck

 

[RinnaRoo]

The contractions are getting stronger, but they are still so irregular!! Gerrrrr !!

 

[RileysMummy]

Hope baby is here soon xx