Elsie Rose was diagnosed as IUGR when I was 31 weeks pregnant, having been suspected IUGR since 29 weeks.
Graphic designed by Hazel Alquios & Kerry Phillips
We’d had growth scans booked since 12 weeks, due to having had two previous SGA (Small for Gestational Age) babies. I was given a customise growth chart to track baby’s growth and when the measurements were falling low on the curves that were normal for me, it was decided that I needed doppler scans. These scans detected reduced blood flow through the cord, which meant that weekly scans were necessary to monitor the situation.
We were clinically well supported through the pregnancy and Elsie was safely delivered at 37 weeks, weighing 5lb8 (2.5kg).
While we were clinically well supported, emotionally we found the pregnancy difficult. We were not given much information on IUGR and were forced to research independently and seek out support groups for advice and much needed understanding. Now that Elsie is here, we are still struggling to help those around us to understand what IUGR is all about, and how it affects Elsie and us.
The truth is, we do not yet know how or if the IUGR will affect Elsie. Her inital two weeks were not easy but she is slowly gaining weight and appears to be thriving so for that we are thankful- and hopeful that she will be no different from her siblings.
However, I do intend to continue researching IUGR and it’s causes and affects, and I intend to raise awareness where I can so that other parents facing the same uncertainty might possibly find some comfort where we did not.
To read all pregnancy posts, please see my Return of The Bump pregnancy diary
IUGR posts:
An IUGR baby: our story so far
My VBAC journey: beginning, middle and end
An IUGR baby: the agony of the unexplained
An IUGR baby: reduced movements in pregnancy
A planned c-section: the pre-op
An IUGR baby: the birth story part one- preparing for theatre
An IUGR baby: the birth story part two- the emergence of Elsie Rose
An IUGR baby: Elsie’s first 24 hours
An IUGR baby: Elsie’s first week