Being Induced on Friday

In 1970 my sister had a boy who was only 3lb 13oz and today he is over 6'5" and 230lbs so it will be just fine and in a few years you will wonder why you were worried. Many people have very small babies who do just fine it is just getting good care from the start. Good luck.

My Cousin had a baby that weighed ony 4 lbs. it was fully devloped and healthy jut tiny. Shes about 2 now and almost the same size as my neice that was born 3 weeks before her. So if they think the babby is healthy just time will help her grow.

I'm not an expert in this area, but I do know that my 6'3", 210 lb husband was just under 5 lbs at his birth, and he was 2 weeks early as well. And he didn't have any health problems as a child and seems to have filled out well!

At least you know ahead of time that your little one is going to be that small. I didn't know until I went to the hospital for dizziness. I was measuring fine and gained more than enough weight (40 lbs - not sure where it all went), but my little boy was only 4lbs 2.2oz and was only 2 1/2 weeks early. It was very scary, I ended up having to have a c-section because I was having contractions (didn't know it) and his heart rate was dropping dramatically with each one. He stayed in the hospital for 2 weeks, he couldn't eat at first and they had to put him on an IV, then he had to be tube fed for a while. Finally we got him on a bottle and they let me take him home. All the while, I was pumping and then bottle feeding him. Finally at 8 weeks, I got him switched over to nursing and all was well. He gained weight very quickly and although still small for his age, he's a very healthy 2 year old. And believe me, he's very much a 2 year old, complete with temper tantrums and a very strong will of his own.
Sorry it got long, but I hope it gives you encouragement. It will be hard at first, but in the end, it will all work out for the best.

S.

No advice here just well wishes and relax. I've been induced 2 weeks early twice and both boys were over 8 pounds so I can't realte to the smallness. The doctors want to do what they fel is best for you and the baby.

I have twins that were born at 35 weeks. They were small (5.2 and 3.5) but only one ended up in the NICU. She had problems sucking. The other one was fine. Tiny but fine. Your baby may not have any problems but being small. If the baby does end up in the NICU, try to go to Banner Desert (Dobson and the 60) They have one of the best NICUs in the state. The staff is awesome and you can go there anytime you want. Good Luck. Its scary but it all turns out okay.

I went through the same thing with my daughter. At 36 weeks the docotor wanted an ultrasound because my stomach was measuring smaller than normal. The ultrasound showed that she was only 5 lbs and that my fluid was low. They continued to monitor me (check baby's heart rate, etc) every other day for the next few weeks and an ultrasound every week. I was an absolute mess especially becasue it was my first. I thought for sure something was wrong with her. The nurse keep telling me that everything was fine and lots of babies are born small. I tried to listen but it was so hard for me to believe that my baby was so small especially since my husband is 6'7" and 275lbs. Finally the doctor said that everything looked ok but he would rather be safe than sorry so he wanted to induce. My daughter was delivered 2 weeks early and weighed 5 lbs 11 ozs. She is now 8 months and is as healthy and happy as can be. She has almost trippled her birth weight. Although she is still a little under the average wieght for her age she is perfect and normal. So try to stay calm and don't worry about her she will be fine.

A friend of mine in CA, had to be induced 6 or 7 weeks early, and her daughter was 4 lbs. 1 ounce at birth. Six months later, she is a perfectly healthy and typically developing child. My friend was not able to prepare herself, she went in for a regular appointment and they said, "We need to induce now." This probably won't be that different than births of your other children. Just stay positive. The best advice I was given recently when my son was about to have surgery was to, "visualize everything going perfectly." Doing that helped me to be calmer going in to the situation and everything went better than I had visualized. Good luck.

We had the same situation with my son who is now 4. He was 4 14 when he was born. We had been having complications and my doctor told me on a thursday that that sunday we were going to deliver him. They felt he would live if he came out but may not if we left him in. They also said that he probably wouldn't be coming home with me. We were very nervous espcecially since this was our first. But my doctors took great care of me and him. He came out much more aware then the 9 lb baby next to him. (Believe it or not he was holding his head looking at this baby like will you please stop crying!) And they even let me take him home when I went home (I stayed for 5 days because of a section) He was only 4lbs 5 oz. And he stayed small for a long time. We had to take him to the doctor every week to make sure he was growing. And they suggested that I supplement formula even though I was a strict breastfeeder. That way he could grow a little faster from the formula. In case you are wondering about this, we did put him in premie diapers and clothes. But just have faith that everything will be fine. Your baby is safest this way. And techniqually she is a full term baby at 37 weeks! You'll do great!

If I were you I wouldnt worry. I just gave birth to my son 2 weeks early and he weighed 5lbs 3oz and was perfectly healthy. I was really worried at the time because I had Hyperemsesis throughout my whole pregnancy and was on a ton of medications the whole time. Anyway I am sure your baby will be just fine, maybe a bit small like my son but after only 2 weeks he already weigh 5lbs 10oz and grew an inch. She will probably do better on the outside than in.

FYI the ultrasounds that are done before you are induced to get a reading on the size of the baby are not necessarily accurate. I was induced 5 weeks early and was told after an ultrasound performed by the OB/GYN that my boy was at about 5lbs. 2 1/2 days later when he was finally out he weighed a whopping 8lbs 7 oz. Your girl may not be quite as small as they think. If she really is though she will most likely be fine. I have a little brother who was born at 2lbs 4oz. and he made it just fine with no complications. He was incubated in the hospital for about 2 1/2 months but grew just fine.

Best of luck to you!

Please don't take the weight as a certainty. The accuracy of ultrasound weight guesstimations are often off up to 2 lbs!! That means your baby could easily be over 6 lbs. Three of my four children weighed under 6 lbs at birth (5 lb 3 oz; 5 lb 3 oz; and 5 lb 8 oz). With the first one, I thought I had done something wrong, but no... she was just small and still is at age 8. Also, 2 weeks before your due date is still considered "term" so you aren't having a preemie, just a small term baby.

Dear M. --

I had three girls, all of whom were full-term preemies -- babies that were very small at birth. It is amazing how hearty these little ones are. They catch-up pretty quick. So don't go into this fearful. Be grateful that this problem has been caught and you know in advance that you are going to have some extra work.

What I found was that little ones cannot be fed on demand, but are usually scheduled because they cannot hold as much. So it was pretty much every four hours around the clock. Didn't get much sleep for a long time, since I had three under three years old. But they are fine.

Some aspects of their development might not be right at birth. They need to grow into themselves -- at least mine did. But they were tiny joys.

I wish you an easy labor and a healthy baby. My prayers are with you.

If you are interested in non-toxic products for the baby that are really superior, then give me a call. You can reach me at ###-###-#### or my email is ____@____.com

All the Best,
M.

M.,
I must have had twenty u/s in my last pregnancy. Most of them were the detailed level 2 u/s as well. All of this was for excessive fluid and low movement. When it came to delivery they said the u/s showed him to be a healthy 8 pounds. Boy were they wrong... 9 pounds 11 ounces!!! You can't always trust u/s. As hard as it is, just try to relax for the next week. It is amazing what those little ones can do in there in a week!

Congratulations!!!!!! My son was 5 pounds very tiny. But god are they cute!!!!!!!!!!!! You tend to have to by premi stuff for awhile and they dont fit into anything, chair ect. but you get creative and get by...........Hope all went well enjoy the little angel.

By the time you read this, you may have already had the baby. I'm praying for you and the baby. I know that it's scary when doctors tell you news like that when you're pregnant and already vulnerable. I have 4 of my own and had 2 miscarriages. My last one was very tiny when she was born - 5 lbs. 4 oz. The doctor was worried about how small she was and that she kept trying to come too early (at 30 weeks I was put on bed rest). Just know that babies can survive and THRIVE even when they're very tiny when they get here. My youngest one is now 9 years old and is tall for her age! She's my miracle baby, as I'm sure you'll think of your little one as a miracle baby.

I don't know if you're a Christian or not, but I know that there is NOTHING too big for God to do. I know that He has you and your little one in His hands and I believe that all your fears will be taken away as you watch this little one grow. I'm praying for perfect peace for you and perfect health for her.

an induction can be very hard on the baby...i would seek a few other opinions if this were my situation...allowing the child to grow within you is the optimum environment for the baby...
you have to know that drs. and hospitals are trained to intervene...and once they err, they never apologize or admit to that...they are always "right"

I have 4 beautiful, healthy daughters, all of whom were induced. I wouldn't know what it was like not to be induced! My largest baby was 6lbs and smallest was 4lbs 13oz. with low fluid. But cute and healthy as can be! I highly recommend the epidural! Induced contractions are firmer and stronger than natural ones. Your body isn't gradually conditioned for them like with natural labor. Preemie sized clothing were still big on my baby. As precautions, my ped. advised me not to take the baby out of the house till she was at least 6 weeks old and 6lbs. With all the crazy respiratory problems that come from colds it isn't worth the risk of the baby's health. We kept hand sanitizer on hand for immediate family who “had” to hold her and siblings had to change their clothing before holding her if they went away from our house. My husband and I took turns on weekends to let me out of the house for church meetings and human sanity. Good luck and I pray all is well for you and your baby! Should you need preemie clothes just post it!!!

Dont be scared! Babies are born every day with low birth weight, and do AWSOME! Just stay calm, your baby will be able to tell that you are un comfortable with the situation. Just look at it in a positve way, Your new bundle of joy will met the world earlier, and you will be happy too. Don't stress. Everything will turn out alright!

Hi M.,
I am a Neonatologist in the valley. The first thing to make sure is that you are delivering at a hospital where there is more than just a level1 nursery. This little one will probably have sugar issues (initial low sugars) that require an IV because the liver does not have glycogen stores and there is little brown fat due to the small size to easily convert the fat into sugar. Sugar is extremely important as a newborn, it is the food the brain uses immediately. You should ask your OB why he/she thinks the baby is small. There are many potential reasons. The best scenario is that the placenta got "old" and has not delivered adequate nutrition. In these case the baby's body will be small, but the head size will be normal for gestational age. These babies catch up quickly with proper nutrition. Those whose head size is also small have a more difficult time catching up and may need growth hormone later in life.
Once the sugar stabilizes, initial feeds will start slowly because the intestines may have been affected by the poor intrauterine nutrition also. But once full feeds are established, the baby will gain quickly and may go home with you at a smaller size than ususal, just because he is internally mature.
Hope this helps. Anymore question, I would be happy to answer at ____@____.com

First of all, be thankful that your doctors are so on top of things that they know what is going on and are taking action.

Secondly, take some comfort in the fact that an U/S is not always right. It could be off by more than a pound. So there is a chance that she will be bigger than tey think.

Just do your best to relax between now and next week, it'll be best for you and your baby. Make sure she gets what she can from you to help her grow in the next seven days. Do you have anyone that can help you out around the house so you can get as much rest as possible?

You baby will indeed be a premie, but don't worry about the 'what if's' right now. You surely don't need that stress on you before you're induced.
When my Mom had my sister, she was only 3 pounds 6 ounces. She's 43 years old now. :-)
Keep a positive mind sweetie. Just remember that premies are pretty common now a days and the hospitals and nurseries are greatly prepared for it. I've worked in a hospital for over 13 years and have seen many healthy premies. (not sure if I'm spelling premies right).
I will say a prayer for you and your baby. :-) Best wishes to you and your family. :-)

My advice is just don't stress! Easier said than done, I know. But I will say my OB thought my baby was going to be 10 lb and only turned out to be 7 lb 3 oz! My understanding is that currently there is NO technology that can accurately predict a baby's birth weight.

Good luck with the induction!

First of all, make sure the doctors are 100% sure about the fluid. During my first pregnancy one of my doctors was certain the baby was in distress due to low fluid levels, stressed me out and then did an ultrasound to find out everything was fine. So there is hope that they don't have a clue what they are talking about. :) But, second, if it is infact true that your baby is only 4 lbs. know that that is normal for two weeks early. They grow about a lb. a week at that point, making your baby around 6 lbs. at her actual due date, which is normal. It is probably because of the low fluid levels that they want to get her out of there. (Again, make sure they are right about the fluid levels.) Two weeks early is not so early that you need to worry too much about your baby's health. Just stay positive and be excited about seeing your baby girl on Friday!

I was induced with my first child because she had stopped growing. She was born 2 weeks early and according to the ultrasound was only 4 lbs. She was actually 5lbs. 7oz and healthy.

My second son weighed 4lbs. 15 oz when he was born. They told me he was about 3 weeks premature but I was pre-clampsic and he decided it was time to get out of there. His grandmother and great-grandmother had to take in the premie onesies and sleepers. When he was born, he looked like a wrinkled up little old man. He was so adorable. He is now 15 and healthy as a horse. I'm sure everything will be fine with your daughter too.

M.

I am sure that everything will be fine. My second daughter had to be born the next day because I also had low amnotic fuild with her as well. She came out perfect! As for having a premee, my first was born a month early and weighted 6 pounds 4 ozs. She could not breath when she came out and was in the NICU, which was the scariest time in my life. That was because she was born so early. SHe is happy and healthy now. I would not worry about the low amnetic fuild. I am sure the baby is just fine. Good luck!-A.

Stress less, sleep more! If it helps, my son was 3lbs 4 oz. He could barely get his fingers around my husband's index finger. Fast forward 3 1/2 yrs, and he is now just as solid as a keg of nails.

Your girl will be fine, probably have a pit stop in the NICU, and just do the best you can between here and there. After a certain gestational date, the Dr.s are mostly guessing anyway. They want to give you any bad news first, but don't really hand you a heaping plate of hope, which you need now more than anything else.

She might be small, but she'll show her colors and personality, real quick. Love and adore her. Don't fret about size (is that womanly advice, or what!), and just listen closely to what the Dr.s tell you. Washing hands will help reduce the risks of infection. Easily done. Let her sleep when she's tired, and watch how much food she's taking down. All easy, all simple steps.

And pray. Not the bargaining type, just the, "okay, this is totally unexpected, what do I do now?" kinda prayers. You'll feel it in your gut what is right, and be able to move confidently forward. Hang in there 'til then, and I hope you can enjoy a big heaping plate full of hope. :D

Hi M., my name is V.. I am 23 years old and have a beautiful 2 year old daughter. I have been in the exact situation as you are in now. I had my daughter at the age of 20 and I also had to be induced 3 weeks before my actual due date because I too had very low fluid. My daughter was 5 lbs. 13 oz. at birth. I was very nervous because I wasn't even full term but she came out just fine. Just know that it is better for the baby to be out and grow than to be in and not have enough room. The doctors told me that if I hadn't been induced, I would've had a dry birth and that causes more stress on the baby and could have led to a c-section. Don't worry, the doctors know what they are doing and have you and your baby in their best interest. I know it can be scary but relax and take it easy for the baby. You both will be o.k. :)

hi M.!
my boyfriends niece just had a baby boy and he is very tiny, he weighed 1 lb 7 oz at birth, hes not breathing on his own yet. but hes going to be ok so hang in there your baby will be ok!!!
best wishes to you "L."

M., although your daughter will be born before her due date, you need to have faith in your doctor that he/she is doing the right thing for both of you. Her weight at this point is not bad. (Remember, she is gaining weight daily!) I have been down this road as well, and all you can do is be strong and keep a positive attitude. Keep in mind she will only be born less than two weeks before her due date. I wish you and your family the very best!

I know how you feel. I was induced 3 weeks early with my daughter and she only weighed 4 lbs. 15 1/2 oz at birth. She was tiny, but very healthy. She is 3 years old now and she is still petite but a super healthy child.
Just know that the doctors are inducing for the health of the baby. A five pound baby is likely to be very healthy. Prepare yourself for clothes being too big for your little one and give her lots of love and skin to skin contact. They say that frequent skin to skin (like chest to chest) is very soothing and healing to premie babes.

Congratulations on your third!!!
K.