Is My Baby Really Too Small?
#Behindthecurtain: Growth Restriction
“Everyone keeps telling me that I need to be induced because my baby is too small, but I was reading online that sometimes that can be because the parents are small and I’m only 5’3” and my boyfriend is only 5’7” and I just want to check if anyone is even taking that into account . . . “
Haley’s* words tumbled through the phone receiver in a rush. I knew she was scheduled for an induction that evening - the charge nurse had been trying to reach her all day with no response. She was finally calling an hour before the end of my shift and it was clear to me that she did not want to be induced. At all.
. . . .
There are a few reason for your baby to seem growth-restricted on ultrasound
Baby is “constitutionally small” - growing normally, with no problems, but just a smaller baby
There is a problem with the placenta or umbilical cord so that the baby is not getting enough oxygen and nutrients.
The baby has a medical condition that prevents them from growing normally like heart disease or a genetic disorders.
The ultrasound estimate is not accurate
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