QuestionThanks for the response. My doctor was concerned because she was afraid that my placenta may not be functioning adequately and because of this, she was afraid of the possibility of still-birth. If I'm due 7/21/04 meaning that as of today, I'm 34.5 weeks pregnant, I can't understand why the ultrasound done at one day shy of 34 weeks states that my baby is only in the 13th percentile. I've read 4 different sources that say 4lbs, 11oz. is exactly average for a 34 week baby. The doctor keeps quoting the standard averages for the American Pediatrics. What are they using for their averages compared to everybody else? She said that at 20 weeks, my baby was in the 20th percentile and now my baby is in the 13th percentile. She's afraid that the baby is not progressing properly. Where can I find a reliable source that can give me gestational averages? I will definitely read the books you referred, but in the meantime, I'm going crazy thinking that I could have a still-birth. Could she be right? Do I have need for concern? Thank you so much! -------------------------
Followup To
Question -
I am 34 weeks with my second child. My first pregnancy was uneventful until delivery. Because I have a flat pelvis, my baby became stuck in the delivery canal causing her heart rate to rapidly decelerate. She was also born with a broken left clavicle. My doctor suggested that a C-section be done if this baby is more than a 1/2 pound bigger than the first. Today, I had an ultrasound and the doctor is concerned because this baby is only in the 13th percentile for weight, (4lbs, 11oz.) According to the books I've read, this seems reasonable for a baby that is exactly 34 weeks. She wants to do another ultrasound at 37 weeks to see if the baby has grown normally and if she hasn't, they will induce labor. At this point, because of the problem delivery the first time and because of the "small" size of this baby, is a C-section a wise choice? Thank you for your time.
Answer -
Hello Christine. I think your dr is playing a power game with you. First she wants to section you because your pelvis is inadequate(which is just another way of planting the seeds of doubt in you so you will go along with her plan) and now she wants to induce you because your baby is too small! This is crap. The WORST thing to do to a baby that might be small is bring it on EARLY- this baby needs to get as much time inutero as possible. Besides, most inductions end in c/sections and she will get her way anyway. Why would she play this game? Because it is SO much more convenient for her and the hospital to schedule your delivery rather than wait on mother nature. I suggest you go to a website called Nancy Wainer Cohen- THE foremost expert in section prevention and get her two books- read them as fast as you can and you may save yourself a lot of heartache. All the best- Cheri.
AnswerHello again Christine- your baby seems just the right size to me- I suggest you obtain copies of the info you have found and take it to your dr- if he still disagrees, you would be wise to seek a second opinion rather than proceed with a section that may NOT be needed. YOU need to be sure you are eating the very best of food- make sure you are getting LOTS of protein- meat, eggs, fish, turkey, chicken etc- All the best- Cheri.
