Bedrest and birthweight

I was reading a thread today, and someone mentioned that bedrest babies are smaller at birth. Is this true? That seems weird if it is I wonder why.

 

Hmmm, that isn't true in my previous case of bedrest. He was 9#15.5oz. by the time they remembered/found a scale to weigh him. . . he was born in the triage area. I did 11 weeks bedrest with him. I was diagnosed with PTL and no other complications.

Also, one of my twins is est. to be in the 70th + percentile for gest. weight. The other is close to 50th percentile.

I guess, it would make sense that bedrest babies have lower birthweights because this typically includes high risk pregnancies that won't go to term. But if they are saying that they are lower weights for gestational age, we can speculate about some of the medical conditions that require bedrest: multiples, preeclampsia, TTTS which may cause one baby to be smaller, IUGR babies, etc.

 

I popped in to support all you bedrest ladies- jsut so you know I was on bedrest from week 21 until I delivered at 31.6 (some of it hospital bedrest w/ magnesium)....my girls were 3.8 and 3.13- so 50% and 80% for girls at that gestation.

Genetically that is right on as well since I am small framed and 5'3" and my DH is large framed and 6'4".

I do think some may be due to 'reasons' of bedrest (TTTS, IGUR, etc) rather than bedrest. I was on for PTL and cervical chnges...I delivered due to distress of baby b and increasing contractions.

KC

 

My babies are big already too. Both 3 1/2 lbs at 29 weeks. That makes sense though about having lower weights because of other conditions. I'm only on bedrest for PTL and IC.

 

Not true in my case either. Mine always measure about 2 weeks ahead at each u/s and were quite big for 31 weeks 6 days at 4# 6 ounces and 4# 9 ounces.

 

NOPE! Not true for me either...I was on bed rest for 28 weeks...from my 5th week until 33 weeks and 1 day when my guys were born....at a 4 14 and 4 15!!! The Dr.s were thrilled with their weights....so just keep loading up on your protien. take your vitamins and STAY PUT! You can do this!!!

 

Not sure why bedrest would have an impact on the babies weight, I never heard that before.

 

I didn't think it made sense either. Only if you have ttts. Good.. that makes me feel better.

 

Even with TTTS, the chances of one baby being larger for gestational age is pretty normal. (Due to one baby being overloaded.)

Larger is not always better anyways. . . GD can cause babes to be larger, have blood sugar problems, immature lung development etc. Preeclampsia/PIH can cause babies to be smaller. Placental issues (like cord insertion problems, share issues, etc.) can affect the sizes. Genetics of course, can always affect the babies.

I guess each mama has to look at her individual challenges and find out how it can affect the babies short-term and longterm. . .