Hi...mainly lurker here, occasional responder, but never a post starter.
ETA: I'm 34 weeks, 5 days today.
I went into my OB Tuesday due to three days of menstrual cramps/back cramps and left being sent for a growth U/S after being told I had begun to dilate (no surprise since I have two active, elementary age kids).
I went today for the U/S and baby girl is measuring in the 4th percentile overall. However, her belly is measuring in the 1st percentile which means what nutrients she is getting from the placenta are going straight to her heart/brain instead of plumping her up; it's called asymmetrical intrauterine growth restriction.
My OB has instructed that I have NSTs and BPP U/Ss twice a week until I deliver. They will induce me on 12/30 if they do not end up taking her before then. I've been put on modified bed rest and instructed to eat, eat, eat and drink, drink, drink.
I was caught off guard w/ this news today. Has anyone experienced anything similar? When was your LO born? How big were they? How long did they stay in the hospital? How was the labor?
I have to diligently do kick counts every two hours and call immediately if I have no decrease in movement. It's all so very stressful. Meanwhile the back cramps continue.
I lost my Dad to cancer on 11/27 (2 weeks ago yesterday). I feel like the grief of that and with the stress of this news...well I'm just not handling it really well. I feel guilty that I can't give baby girl what she needs.
Yesterday I was upset over the idea of possibly having to leave my baby at the hospital (even though I know that's the best place for her). In the middle of the night I woke up with the thought that maybe they should take her now. Maybe I should call our Pediatrician (who we love and have used with the older two) and talk to him, then call my OB and talk to them about my concerns. I know being stressed will only hurt her more in the long run but when I think of those percentile numbers 4th and 1st...she's starving in there. This all breaks my heart. Any thoughts?
Re: XP from Jan14: Asymmetrical IUGR
37 weeks) I have an induction scheduled for Wednesday so we don't know much more yet either but I have those same questions.
I feel super guilty too like maybe there was something I could have done differently like take my prenatal vitamins sooner or eat more. I don't know. I know it's silly to think that way, but I just can't help but feel like my body is failing her...
Hang in there. with medical technology today there is so much that they can do to help our little ones after they're born.
I feel like I'm failing both of them: my body just doesn't get how to make placentas, and I hate that we may have to sacrifice one baby's well being to save the other. It's a Catch 22.
I hadn't dilated at all so I had a long induction but it was successful and I had a healthy 5 pound 3 oz baby. He required no nicu time. Now he's a healthy 30 pound toddler! It blows my mind when I think about how small he was!
Best of luck!