Borderline IUGR and placental problems

Mommyduclos

I had an appointment with my specialist this morning and baby is 1 precentage away from an official IUGR diagnosis- 14 percentile points less than my u/s last time and the placental doplar showed an elevated rate meaning it is struggling though not terrible. I have been told to rest to improve blood flow, drink a gallon of water a day, and stop nursing my daughter to see if we can't get my numbers to improve by improving blood flow from me to the placenta. I also have to get weekly biophysicals or NSTs and regular growth scans to monitor the baby's well being. Hopefully things will improve. She says if things stay the same I will likely have to deliver at 37 weeks, if things get worse then potentially sooner but if they get better maybe I can hold off until later. Placental issues also put me at a higher chance of needing a c section because the baby may not be able to handle labor without going into distress. I had the maternal DNA screening (progenity I think) that I refused earlier to see if this is happening because of a genetic issue (not a diagnostic test I know, but an amnio seems excessive). Hopefully though it will be negative and rule out those concerns. Baby also have choroid plexus cysts so that's another reason to consider the genetic angle. My babies keep getting smaller so we're running some other tests to see why. I will be monitored very closely and trust my care providers but this is all pretty intense so I wanted to share with you mamas.

peppercorn16

So sorry for the stress you must be feeling-- it is hard to hear something may be off with the LO. The good news is that the weekly checks will give them (and you) a really clear picture of what is going on in there. I also suggest heading over to the high risk board and posting over there if you haven't already. I have found a lot of support there for issues I am going through this pregnancy and I know I have seen other ladies dealing with similar situations as yourself. Hang in there momma and let us know how things progress. Remember it will be okay!

NillaWafers

I had an IUGR baby and placental problems (along with Pre-e) with my last. The good news is all the monitoring they're doing is going to paint a really clear picture of what to expect. Somehow, my baby's IUGR went undiagnosed, so we were surprised by the fact that he was 2.12 lbs at 34 weeks! Even when they are small like that, there is often not that many problems and they just have "feed" them for a while in the NICU. 

All in all in the end, you're getting great care. If you end up needing a c-section then it's ok - this kind of situation is what c-sections are for! I wish you the best!

chelsey1211

I know exactly what your going through. About two months ago, we saw a specialist and she told us that baby was measuring very small. His head stomach and femur bones are all small. After tons and tons of genetic testing and what seemed like the longest two weeks of my life, we got the results back that it isn't anything genetic. So now we go to biophysical and nst's 3 times a week. It's so stressful and I'm on edge not knowing what's going on. They are delivering our little guy at 37 weeks. Just keep your head up and keep resting. Please feel free to inbox me if you ever need to talk. US mommy's need to stick together.

Mommyduclos

Thanks mamas.... It's been scary. I wasn't worried when he was just measuring small but that coupled with the poor placental readings and a major drop off the growth curve is scary. The holidays and my other 2 children are not making it easy to rest, but I truly am doing my best. Hoping for some answers with all the blood work over the next few weeks and I really hope I can make it to 37 weeks. But whatever is best for baby- if the placenta readings keep getting worse or baby shows distress we will do what he needs.

ashhsa

I think on the November board there is a birth story from a mother that had IUGR maybe worth a read if your interested? I'm sorry this must be so stressful for you but it sounds like you have a great medical team who are all over it for you. X