31 weeks...baby's growth has slowed - panicking slightly!

[winterpansy]

Evening all,
I am looking for a bit of advice reassurance as I had a bit of a scare at a scan today.

I am 31 weeks today with DC2 (a girl) and went for my fortnightly scan (I have diet controlled gestational diabetes so am scanned regularly) and the registrar told me that she hasn't grown as much as he would like over the past 2 weeks and has gone from 20th centile down (I was told she was small a few weeks ago but that it was nothing to worry about) to just over 10th.

He was quite dismissive when I asked how worried I should be and just said to come back in two weeks and if she has fallen below 10th centile then they may have to do something but really I just need to keep an eye out for reduced movement...then he ushered me out the door before explaining what it is they may have to do and why exactly might I have reduced movement. So I have obviously googled for hours and found info on IUGR etc. and am now worried about issues with the cord or placenta or something. She is also breech but I guess there is plenty of time for her to move.

My DS was born at 37 weeks weighing 7lb 13oz 2.5 years ago so I don't have a history of having small babies and, while I have been eating very well because of the GD and have lost over 3 kgs since my booking in appointment, I am definitely eating enough to keep us both going - not that I think sitting on my bum and eating cake all day will make baby grow!

I know I should just wait and see how things go in the 2 weeks but my mind is racing with all the possibilities that something could go seriously wrong. I'll be induced at 38 weeks, if I don't go into labour myself, because of the GD anyway but if she stops growing will I be induced before this or need a section?

Help me put my mind at rest, please!

[Mogz]

Don't worry, and try not to take what Dr Google says as gospel.
The measurements they take from scans all have a margin of error, which is why the sonographer will want to have you wait for another to confirm if there is a problem with growth or anything else.
If you're concerned and want better advice it would be a good idea to ring your midwife and talk it through, then you can ask about what options you have and feel better informed.
I hope everything turns out ok for you and baby.

[winterpansy]

Thanks for the reply. Have been trying the midwife but have had no joy yet. I'm trying not to think about it at the minute and will just try to take each day as it comes - nothing else for it I suppose!

[tsw]

TBH, it depends on the next scan. If there is further reduction so that it's a trend rather than an anomaly (as so many people say, scans aren't perfect so today's could be wrong) then action will need to be taken/discussed.

The next 2 weeks will be tough for you until you either find out good news that today was just a scare & the measurements were wrong or that it was the start of something that means further action.

Either way, ultimately, this is a good thing! It is hard to believe that right now but either everything is okay & today was a scare that you will look back on or today was a warning & you have a chance to act.

I truly hope it is a scare but either way as long as you & the baby are ultimately healthy should intervention take place then that is what you need to remind yourself.

[winterpansy]

Thank you so much. What you say makes a lot of sense.
I am doubly focussed on making sure I feel movements all the time so know she is still wriggling away in there with no problem.
The main thing is that she gets here safely with whatever method needed.
That's another day down now so one less to go until rescan.
Thanks again.