A guide for expectant parents
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Your baby's estimated weight is below the 10th percentile.
This means your baby is smaller than 90 out of 100 babies at this stage of pregnancy.
Baby is naturally small but healthy. Placenta is working well.
Baby isn't getting enough nutrients. Placenta needs monitoring.
Our job is to figure out which one and monitor closely.
The placenta delivers oxygen and nutrients to your baby.
When growth is restricted, we need to check if the placenta is working hard enough.
We balance two things:
✓ Giving baby more time to grow inside
✓ Ensuring baby stays safe and healthy
We monitor carefully to make the safest choice.
| Test | How Often | What It Shows |
|---|---|---|
| Growth Ultrasound | Every 3-4 weeks | Baby's size and growth pattern |
| Doppler Ultrasound | Every 1-2 weeks | Blood flow through placenta |
| Non-Stress Test | 1-2 times per week | Baby's heart rate and movement |
This special ultrasound measures blood flow in the umbilical cord.
Normal Doppler = placenta is keeping up well
Timing depends on how the placenta is functioning.
The goal: deliver when it's safer outside than inside.
| Situation | Typical Timing | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Growth restriction with normal blood flow | 38-39 weeks | Near full-term with monitoring |
| Severe growth restriction | 37 weeks | Earlier delivery reduces risk |
| Abnormal placental blood flow | 33-37 weeks | Placenta showing strain |
Steroid Injections: Help baby's lungs mature before birth
NICU Support: Specialized care ready if baby arrives early
Continuous Monitoring: Close watch during labor
We prepare for early arrival to keep baby safe.
Some things do not improve fetal growth restriction:
✗ Nutritional supplements or extra vitamins
✗ Bed rest (though rest is still good for you)
✗ Blood thinners (unless prescribed for another reason)
The most effective intervention is close monitoring and timely delivery.
Vaginal delivery is often possible with growth restriction.
You'll have continuous heart rate monitoring during labor.
C-section is recommended only if:
We're partners in keeping your baby safe.
Most babies with growth restriction are born healthy.
Close monitoring helps us catch problems early.
We make decisions together based on what's safest for you and your baby.
✓ FGR means baby is smaller than expected
✓ We monitor placenta function closely
✓ Delivery timing depends on how baby is doing
✓ Your healthcare team is here to support you
Questions are always welcome.