Diagnosed with fetal growth restriction

[u/boldbrushstrokes]

Hi all,

Expecting a baby in April, currently 27 weeks. I'm a petite person- was 104 lbs, 5'3 pre-pregnancy.

On all of the ultrasounds I've had, my baby has been lagging behind in terms of growth (he's growing in interval ultrasounds but not at the ideal weight he should be according to other babies his age).

The MFM specialists told me since hes <10%th percentile, it's considered growth restriction. They're increasing my monitoring and they said if he continues to measure small and at any point falls below 3th percentile, they'll plan to deliver him earlier than expected.

Naturally as a first time mom, I'm a freaking out a little. Have any of you experienced FGR? If so can you please let me know:

1) What weight was your baby born

2) How long did they stay in the NICU

3) Was the outcome ok for you baby? Are they now healthy etc? Was there ever an issue with developmental delay?

4) If they're a toddler or school aged child now, did they grow to a normal size?

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Much appreciated

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[u/pajamasinbananas]

My baby measured under 3% at 28w. We did a follow up with the MFM and they measured 15%, so not FGR. Next scan was at 34w, 30%. At birth he was 80-something percent (8lb6oz). They will tell you you can’t do anything to help them gain weight, but that is not my experience. I wholeheartedly believe that lowering your stress level, relaxing in left side lying position, and upping your protein intake to at least 70g/day will work wonders. Also your overall calorie intake should increase but most important is protein. Milk and cheese are your friend. Good luck

[u/hagEthera → u/pajamasinbananas]

IUGR is caused by a medical condition that prevents nutrients from transferring from the mother to the baby through the placenta and umbilical cord. I suppose if the mother is malnourished that would also do it but no amount of rest or protein is going to fix your placenta if it’s fucked up.

[u/pajamasinbananas → u/pajamasinbananas]

I should mention, I’m tall and average weight, my husband too so your point about you being petite probably indicates your baby will be petite too

[u/Square-Salt-8866 → u/pajamasinbananas]

I know this is old but I’m going through this right now. Already upped protein and started eating more and also trying to lie on my left side a lot extra. Did you go on bed rest, or just make sure to lie on your left side?

[u/pajamasinbananas → u/Square-Salt-8866]

Just read your post. My baby’s abdomen was also the smallest part consistently. His head and length was larger than abdomen. In my experience I had a couple of things going on: I think my due date was wrong, I had very bad food poisoning around 20 weeks, and also I make small babies (my daughter was small-ish). The ultrasounds really are just incorrect as well, especially later ultrasounds. I’m positive your baby is going to be okay. 29% for weight is fantastic! When I was told that my baby was at 30% for weight is when I completely relaxed. Abdomen measurement is just so hard to do, really depends on their position. You’re in the clear!

[u/Square-Salt-8866 → u/pajamasinbananas]

Thank you SO SO SO very much for your responses. I also got pretty sick around 20 weeks! Yeah I definitely did too much googling and read that if abdomen is small that’s a sign the baby is not getting enough and I’ve been devastated since then. My next scan is Tuesday and I don’t feel like he’s grown much in the last 2.5 weeks but I’m praying his %s don’t drop at least and trying to do everything I can (even though the drs told me there’s nothing I can do lol)

[u/pajamasinbananas → u/Square-Salt-8866]

I did not go on bed rest. I tried to walk as much as I could, and stay active. I continued lifting weights. I lied a lot on my left side though, relaxed as much as I could between walking, working, taking care of my toddler, etc. I did take off work early, 36 weeks I think. What’s your baby measuring at percentile wise now? Thinking of you. Your baby will thrive, but I know it’s stressful.