Quick Question

Hi Guys-
First and formost, Congrats to everyone!
I was wondering if you guys could answer a question for me. A friend of mine is having her first baby. She is in her 40's and is scheduled for a c-secion on July 27th. She was told that at this point the baby should be growing by a pound a week or a 1/2 a pound, I cant remember what she said. The problem is the baby hasnt grown in the last 2 weeks. The dr is having her come in to run tests because he is concerned but she is freaking out which is understandable. She doesn't have a computer to research anything as to why the baby wouldnt grow so she asked me to see what I can find. I really don't know what to look for so I figured I would ask you girls to see if you or anyone you've known has experienced this and should she be very concerned. Any input would be very appreciated! Thanks again!

Re: Quick Question

My first question is...is the baby's heartrate normal? If there's a normal heartbeat, I don't see why there's such huge concern over the baby's growth at this stage. She's nearing the end of the 3rd tri, so the baby really doesn't grow significantly anymore...they just add some fat to their tiny bodies. There is really no fool proof way to measure the baby's weight in utero. Sonogram estimates can be off by at least a pound or more.

If your friend is really concerned, I would suggest that she see a specialist or ask her doctor if there are any fetal tests they can do - like a fetal echocardiogram - to check the baby's heart function more closely and try to get some reassurance that anatomically, the baby is fine. Perhaps your friend's baby is just going to be petite!

Good luck and to your friend!

Re: Quick Question

I didnt even ask about the heartrate to be honest, but I will ask her and pass your information to her. Thank you for responding! Hopefully all will go well !
Thanks again!

Re: Quick Question

The same thing happened to my very close friend just a couple of months ago...she wasn't feeling well and the Dr gave her a Sono. The baby's vitals were fine, but he hadn't grown in about 3 weeks, so he induced her the next day. He thought that the baby may have been on the placenta. A few hours after he induced her she still was not dilated at all. So they performed a C-Section...the cord was wrapped around the baby's neck. HE WAS FINE so don't worry but that could be a reason why the baby hasn't grown.

Re: Quick Question

Well it's a 1/2lb a week that the baby should be gaining but that's after 35 - 36 weeks. Like someone else said, u/s can really be off on the weight and depending on her due date (probably different than her c-section date) she's not even 36 weeks yet.

She can still have a growth spurt. There is no sure way to determine the actual weight of the baby right now.