Drop in growth percentile - small update pg 1

[A_Z]

Hey all. Nearly 37 weeks along, and I had a growth scan yesterday where I learned that baby's growth percentile has dropped a fair bit. At my last growth scan (six weeks ago) she was 31%, and the time before that she was 30%. This time she was 13%. She's otherwise doing great. Good heartbeat, moving, practicing breathing, etc. Also, I know anything above 10% is considered okay. It's not her size that's concerning me, but rather the change in percentile.

Anyone have experience with a baby dropping significantly in terms of growth percentile? Again, I'm not at all worried about her being a bit on the small side. I'm just wondering if the change itself is of concern. I see my OB soon and will find out what she thinks, but I just want to know about your experiences, what to expect, etc.

 

[dfavbaby]

This has happened with my lil one and they started nsts (non stress tests) for me at 34 weeks.
They may just want to watch ur baby closer by doing nsts and see if there is a reason for the slow growth ( umbilical cord issue, placenta, ect) why did you have a growth scan done?

Its possible she might do better outside the womb but thats up to ur doctor to decide.
Hope u get answers from ur doctor soon!

 

[A_Z]

I had the previous growth scan because my fundal height was low and my OB thought the baby felt small. The most recent one is standard at my practice, I think, once you get to about 37 weeks.

I actually had a NST this time as well, and the nurse said everything looked good, but I assume I'll get more info from my OB.

My main concern with being induced is that this early I'd be worried about it ending in a c-section.

Are you being induced due to IUGR?

 

[dfavbaby]

OIC.. i actually have SUA( single umbilical artery)it is linked to IUGR. They found it at my 20 week scan so the slow growth was expected especially when i got into the 3rd tri and thats why i was sent for a growth scan.
I have to do nsts twice weekly and they will probably will do the same for you. they are inducing me because of my SUA which is very prone to cord failure.. im also scared of being induced but they wanted me to at least hit 40 weeks if there was no issues on my NSTS.
So far he is a happy little baby and doing well
so ive been able to relax with all the NSTS, even tho i feel like im at the doctors every other day ( well i am lol)

 

[A_Z]

Congrats on making it to just about 40 weeks with all that going on! You must be excited to meet your LO and not have to worry.

I was part of a research study that looked very closely at uterine arteries, placental blood flow, etc., so at least back around 20 weeks I know all of that was fine. So I'm not sure what could be causing the drop in growth at this stage.

Not thrilled by the prospect of spending so much time at my OB office, but certainly better than worrying about baby. Hopefully good news tomorrow, though, and it'll be a non-issue.

Thanks for your responses!

 

[dfavbaby]

fingers crossed your little one can hold on in there and they just watch you closer until you hit 40+ weeks.xxx

all the extra care has def kept me out of the gutter! It was all really scary at first since he was measuring in the 60th percentile and has now dropped into the 30th. all the time in the doctor office was not thrilling to me at first either but you dont have to much time left either hun hang in there!

 

[A_Z]

Okay, saw my OB today. Because everything else on my biophysical exam and NST came back perfect, she doesn't think we need to consider induction quite yet. However, the way that baby's growth has dropped (head is still normal, but abdomen is suddenly way behind) is how they usually see these growth restrictions start, so it's likely a genuine change and not just a measurement artifact.

I will be getting weekly BPPs and NSTs until I deliver. OB says that if nothing else goes wrong, she could see letting me go all the way to 41 weeks, but that each week we'll revisit the possibility of early induction. I'm 60% effaced, so she thinks induction would go well. In the meantime, I need to keep very close track of movement to make sure nothing is changing.

So not a fantastic outcome, but at least there's no immediate cause for concern.