Baby A slowing down, I could be delivering on 12/21

Today was a long day. A full measurement u/s plus biophysical profile, then peri appt. I was anxious about it because it had been three weeks since measurements and baby A (with the 2 vessel umbilical cord) has been measuring smaller. I just knew in my heart he was growing slowly...

Today confirmed that, he's in the 10th percentile for growth, and falling. His brother is in the 50th percentile and right on schedule.

Estimates for A (Keaton): 4lbs 1oz (was 3lbs 9oz three weeks ago)
Estimates for B (Brogan): 5lbs 10oz (was 4lbs 5oz three weeks ago)

So now we do more bloodwork and continue to watch my bile acids and liver functions (I had HELLP with my DS, and my bile acids are currently slightly elevated - watching for cholestasis). My measurements will be taken in two weeks on 12/21, at 8:30am. They scheduled me early in radiology, told me not to eat or drink after midnight that evening before, and to plan for a possible c-section that day after the u/s. I would be 36 weeks, 5 days on that day. It is certainly going to be a morning full of anxiety going to the hospital and not knowing if I'm leaving that day.

While it feels good to have direction, and something to go off of, I can't help but worry about Keaton, and plan for having one baby in the NICU. My DS was 5lbs 4oz and spent 17 days there when he was born at 35 weeks. I can't imagine Keaton gaining enough weight between now and the 21st to get to 5lbs and that scares me. I'm not sure how I'll handle one in the NICU, and one at home, but I'll deal with it as it comes if that's what happens. It is so strange to me to be thinking I could deliver almost two weeks later than my DS, but this baby A could be much smaller

So that's my update - any prayers or positive thoughts you can spare for Keaton to grow these next two weeks are greatly appreciated. I'm admittedly a little freaked out, but will just keep taking it one day at a time! Any experiences out there you care to share, I'm all ears (or eyes)!

 

Good luck and we will definitely keep you in our prayers! I know it's easier said than done, but try to relax and don't let your stress get the best of you.

 

Sending lots of prayers and positive thoughts for Keaton to grow in the next 2 weeks. :hug:

 

Our hospital weight was 4lbs 4 oz for release. There is the chance that both babes will be in the nicu even with the larger weight. We did around a week of one home one at the hospital and it is hard but it is doable

 

Thinking about you, but think also about the fact that more time in the womb will mean more mature lungs, apart from the weight.

Hang in there, it seems they're on top of things!

 

My little guy was always in the 3rd percentile and when they finally decided to deliver I was 31 wks. My little guy was 2lbs 8 oz and spent a while in NICU and he was allowed to come home under 5lbs. One thing that surprised me was how well my little guy did compared to his big brother. I guess it is very common for the smaller ones to fight harder because they had to fight in utero. It is great that you will be at 36wks and although he may be small he should be in a good position developmentally and hopefully you wont have to stay in NICU long. Best wishes

 

My baby b was my small one, she weighed 4.7 at birth and was down to 4.1 when we brought her home on the third day. She was and is the stronger of the 2. By the middle of the third week she had already gained 2 lbs and now at 6 wks, she outweighs her sister. Neither baby spent any time in NICU. You just never know until they get here. Good luck to you, try not to stress too much about it.

 

Our Baby B didn't have IUGR, but she was smaller than her "big" sister. Yet she was such a fighter and quickly did better than Baby A! I'm sorry you have to go through the worry and am sending lots of hugs and prayers. But I agree with the girls that it's the little ones who fight the hardest and are so strong! I hope you get good 5lb news at your next appt!

 

So sorry for all the worry and plans up in the air. But it sounds like they're following you SUPER close to ensure that those babies are going to be healthy! Praying for you!!!!

 

My little one weighed 1#15oz dueto a velamentous cord insertion and IUGR. They were delivered at 29w6d. She came home weighing just over 4lbs (3oz I think?). At 8 months old she is doing even better than her sister--super feisty is this little bugger try not to worry too much. If your BPPs are good then he's doing well. We delivered due to a bad BPP, not because of her weight.

 

I'd take a small amount of comfort from the fact that u/s weights can also be 'off.' My perinatologist told me that as you move forward past 30 weeks it gets more and more difficult to get a truly accurate measurement on the babies. I've heard that eating protein can help...so maybe eat as much protein as you can between now and then and hope that both babies have a huge growth spurt!!

 

We brought our twins home weighing 4 6 and 4 9. Your little guy will surprise you at how well he does. Many prayers!

 

We delivered at 36 wks because at my OB appt the day before, Baby B's growth had slowed abruptly. I also had elevated BP so my OB/peri believed it would be a prudent to deliver babies the next day. Anyway, Baby B delivered at 4 lb 1 oz and Baby B delivered at 5 lb 2 oz. The ultrasound predictions were at least a pound heavier for both. Though neither baby required any NICU time, it was Baby A who needed supplemental oxygen right after delivery, and they were watching him closely for jaundice issues. That smaller baby often surprises us! My little Baby B has always been the feisty one, and remains a pound behind her brother. Sending you and your babies very best wishes!