Growth u/s yesterday didn't go so well... (very long)

Sunshine05 · September 2011

I've been trying to write this post since last night but really didn't want to see it written down... I think I'm still in denial. We went yesterday for our growth ultrasound. Baby was measuring in the 50-60% originally, then dropped down a month ago to 30% so they ordered this growth u/s to see if there was some issue. If she stayed at 30% then she was just going to be a smaller baby, but if she continued to fall off the growth curve, then there could be an issue.

She was at 17% yesterday and her measurements were 4 weeks behind where they should be. If she gets down to 10% or below, it's considered IUGR and they'll deliver her early. I'm set up to have NSTs and growth u/s done every Tuesday and Friday for the duration of the pregnancy. Right now her fluid levels are good, but should they drop too low or she start showing signs of fetal distress then they'll deliver her early. They're also going to keep a close eye on my BP (which right now was great) because apparently this could be an early indication of potential Pre-E so if that happens then they'd also deliver her early.

My OB is hoping to get me to 37w but said we'll know better after seeing a few NSTs and more growth u/s. She said 35w is likely, but it could be as soon as next week if things deteriorate faster than expected. I'm getting the steroid shots next week to try to help her lungs mature just in case we do deliver sooner than later. Oh, and she's breech so right now I'd be going straight to a c-section, and even if she turns head-down it's likely that she wouldn't be able to handle the stress of a vaginal delivery and they'd recommend a c-section anyway.

I'm trying not to stress too much because I know there's nothing I can do and my stressing could only make things worse. They're not recommending bedrest (at least not yet, possibly in the future) b/c I'm not contracting and my cervix is fine, so I'm not in pre-term labor or anything. I'm just trying to keep my head on straight and make a list of things we need to get done sooner than later.

I would really appreciate any thoughts, prayers, or growth vibes you can send our way! Oh, and for those of you I'm friends with, please don't post anything on Facebook. We're keeping this quiet until we know better what we're dealing with. We've told our parents, but that's it.

07may07 · September 2011

((hugs)) Sorry you are dealing with this.

Sending you TONS of T&Ps and lots and lots of growth vibes!

scooterq · September 2011

Big ((hugs)) sweetie!! I am so sorry you're dealing with this stress!

Sending lots of T&P your way!!

love2b_mrst · September 2011

Sorry you're dealing with this. I hope she stays put as long as possible.

patchen30 · September 2011

I'm sorry for the stress sweetie. I hope the NSTs and growth scans show great results. I'm also having weekly NSTs and also growth scans b/c of low PAPP-A during 1st tri screening.

A couple things to hopefully cheer you up: I see this extra monitoring as a really good thing. The Dr.s are being cautious and doing everything possible to ensure your baby is delivered at the best time for his health, and also to make sure that his health is good when he is born (i.e steroid shots). I think you're past the scary zone in terms of prematurity. It's all going to be OK! ((Hugs))

MSaksa · September 2011

((hugs)) very sorry youre having ti deal with this!! Sending you lots of T&P!!!

CluckyEV · September 2011

T&Ps that she stays put and continues to grow!

goodgollie · September 2011

We went through the exact same thing with DS at around almost the exact same time as you. I ended up having to have an emergency c-section and he was 3.5 pounds at 36 weeks. He stayed 12 days in the NICU but did fantastic. We didn't even get the steroid shot for his lungs. I know everything will be fine but it is difficult not to worry. BTW, we found out at my c-section that I had a unicornuate uterus (half uterus) and that, plus my pre-e, was why he was so small. Please feel free to PM me if you need to talk. My T&Ps are with you!

babystinkbreath · September 2011

i'm so sorry you are dealing with this. big hugs. sending lots of growth vibes your way.

Echloe · September 2011

Oh no. I'm so sorry to here this. I hope that things go in your favor and I'll be thinking good thoughts for you sweetie.

LaneCA · September 2011

oh sweetie -- I am so, so sorry you are dealing with this. I am sending growth vibes your way, and keeping you and your LO in my T+Ps. Please keep us posted -- and vent when you need to. And you're absolutely right -- keep focused on what you can do now. Get your lists going, delegate, and try not to stress too much. (((hugs)))

PS - I know a lot of people say the steroid shots hurt, but they were honestly a breeze for me. Just hold your DHs hand and know you are doing everything possible for your baby girl.

Jessiree · September 2011

I'm so sorry you're going through this. I hope things begin to look better and she stays put for a while longer!

etoyama · September 2011

Big (((HUGS))) I'm really sorry you're feeling so stressed. It's awful to feel like your baby isn't growing as you'd like them to be. my LO consistently measured small. At best she was only in the 25th percentile during her time in the womb - usually she was well below that. I felt like I was failing her somehow. But she ended up being totally healthy - just teeny! After birth we got to see her placenta and cord and they were tiny as well. The cord was less than the diameter of a drinking straw. I guess what I'm trying to say is, even though your LO is small, doesn't mean she is unhealthy in any way. She just may be a small gal! I'll be keeping both you and her in my T&Ps and hoping that you can carry her as long as is safely possible. Hang in there, momma. You're doing a great job! (((HUGS)))

babylove0511 · September 2011

(((HUGS))) i am so sorry you are dealing with this. hoping that everything turns around and the monitoring helps. sending T&P and positive vibes your way.

Sunshine05 · September 2011

Sorry for the post-and-run, something came up at work. Thanks for all the T&Ps. I'm very glad for where we're at already... being 32w I hope that some of the scarier stats are behind us, but I'm obviously hoping she can hang in there and avoid NICU time altogether.

GoodGollie, I'll definitely keep your name in mind if I have any questions! I'm sorry you had to go through what you did, but so glad it had a good outcome and a short NICU stay for your DS!

Etoyama, I didn't know Grace measured so small the whole time! It worries me that baby was measuring close to 60% and has dropped so much over the past two months. In one month she went from 60 to 30 then the next down to 17. DH & I are both taller/heavier than average, and I was 8lbs 13oz when I was born, so I guess we just can't wrap our heads around having a small baby. Thanks for the reassurance that she can still be normal and healthy.

wordslikeswords · September 2011

I'm sorry you have this extra stress to deal with. I hope she doesn't go below 10% and that whatever happens she's healthy!

MrsVo · September 2011

Sending you lots of T&Ps!!

mainesmichelle · September 2011

Hugs... Keeping you and your LO in my prayers!!

SweetDahlia · September 2011

I'm so sorry hon. I will be praying really hard.

msjcordova · September 2011

::hugs::

I am so sorry that you are going through this. Im here if you want to talk at all.

ashonkwiler09 · September 2011

Oh sweetie sending thoughts and prayers your way. I hope everything is okay.

MrsRumpf · September 2011

Hoping the very best for you, lady!!!!

Grow little one grow!!!!

katerena · September 2011

Oh pal, hang in there!!! You are doing a fantastic job for your little one, making sure you get all the attention you should. I'm sending so many growth vibes to you!!!!!

kthappy76 · September 2011

Sending lots of good growth vibes and T&P for you and LO. I'm so sorry that you got some bad news, but I hope that everything will be fine and know that you've done a great job cooking her. (((hugs)))

matt'sbride · September 2011

I'm sorry you didn't get the results you were hoping for. I really hope your LO can hang in there a few more weeks. It sounds like you're handling things just as you should be though. Stay strong and let me know if I can help in any way. Sending T&Ps, growth vibes, and anything else I can find! (((hugs)))

halo_tx · September 2011

I'm so sorry you're going through all of this (((hugs))). Sending T&P's and lots of growth vibes your way!!

JennPierog · September 2011

Lots of T&P's! Hang in there

mikeandangie · September 2011

Sending your cutie tons of growing vibes!!!!

cbubbles2 · September 2011

((hugs)) T&Ps that your little girl can stay in for as long as possible.

lckcdc3 · September 2011

I am so sorry you're dealing with this hun. You're in my T&Ps. ((Hugs))

BathingInBitter · September 2011

Oh honey, I am so sorry to hear this news. I'm keeping you and your little Sunshine in my thoughts and sending you all the growth vibes I have. ((hugs))

whispergrrl · September 2011

Oh, hon...I'm so sorry you are having to deal with this stressful situation. I'm sending mega-thoughts and prayers out to you and your LO!

bbakersgirl75 · September 2011

O hun, I am sooooo very sorry to here this!!!! ((Hugs)) I hope everything starts to look up for you and LO. I'll be sending tons of T&P's and growing vibes babies way!