C.M.
Hi L.,
Our daughter was 3 lb 9 oz and born at 35 weeks. My OB noticed at my 20 week ultrasound that she was measuring small and just decided to watch her with frequent ultrasounds and biophysicals (where they assess the fluid flow, diaphragm movements, etc). Although she was small, she was growing steadily and it wasn't until an ultrasound at almost 35 weeks that they noticed her growth had slowed down and they decided induce.
What they call it is IUGR...In Utero Growth Restriction...in my case, they have no idea why it happened. From my experience, it seemed that the most important thing is that the head is measuring a bit bigger than the body because that means the baby is taking the majority of the nutrients straight to the brain and allowing the rest for growing the body, but I'm sure your doctor will tell you more about that, if this is the case with your pregnancy. Remember, there are a lot of people who are told their babies are small at your point of the pregnancy and the baby catches up towards the end. This can certainly happen so don't rule it out.
Now, on to the good stuff....regardless of being born so small, our daughter was as healthy as can be. She did have to spend a week in the NICU just because of her weight and to monitor her but she never needed oxygen, never had any heart rate drops, she was totally healthy. They couldn't believe they were sending home a baby that was still so small but all the nurses were doing was watching her, I was there feeding her and changing diapers most of the time so they decided we could do that at home.
She's 11 months now and she is still small and we have had some struggles with feedings...she doesn't like to eat much, but other than that she is really healthy and I've been told that IUGR babies usually catch up so I'm not that worried about her being small. As my husband and I joke, it's easier to carry her. :)
I spent a lot of my pregnancy with her worrying and there wasn't much point to it, so don't let it overwhelm you. Just follow the doctor's guidance and see how your baby grows over the next few weeks, and if you have any questions, please feel free to email me.
Take care and good luck!
C.