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Can Low Birth Weight Of The Fetus Will Lower The Chances Of Normal Delivery?
Question: Hello Doctor,
I am 37 weeks pregnant now and have just had AFI Doppler and NST tests done. Please find reports for the same attached. I have been advised to get admitted to the hospital to start IOL (Induction of Labour). I was told that this is because a baby is matured by 37 weeks and since my baby is small (2.1kg), it would be risky to continue gestation. I would like to know what risks are posed if I continue the pregnancy without IOL immediately.
Also, since the baby is small and in 2nd centile (as per report), is it recommended that the baby be put through labour? I was told that inducing labour pains have only a 60% chance of ending in normal delivery. Considering this, should I opt for a planned C-Section instead or wait for some more time to see if I might get into labour naturally?
My NST results show baby's heart rate at a baseline of 160 and my pulse above 100. During movements, baby's heart rate goes above 170 as shown in the graph. Is this a sign of concern? How much is a average baby's heart rate supposed to be at this stage of gestation? My pulse being >100 is also a cause of concern? How much should the ideal pulse rate be? Could this also be factors to bring the baby out sooner than completing full term?
Also, what could be reasons the baby is not gaining weight as expected?
Lastly can you please explain the process of labour induction and how should I be prepared for it incase that is decided as the delivery plan?
Appreciate your inputs.
Thank you! XXXXXXX
I am 37 weeks pregnant now and have just had AFI Doppler and NST tests done. Please find reports for the same attached. I have been advised to get admitted to the hospital to start IOL (Induction of Labour). I was told that this is because a baby is matured by 37 weeks and since my baby is small (2.1kg), it would be risky to continue gestation. I would like to know what risks are posed if I continue the pregnancy without IOL immediately.
Also, since the baby is small and in 2nd centile (as per report), is it recommended that the baby be put through labour? I was told that inducing labour pains have only a 60% chance of ending in normal delivery. Considering this, should I opt for a planned C-Section instead or wait for some more time to see if I might get into labour naturally?
My NST results show baby's heart rate at a baseline of 160 and my pulse above 100. During movements, baby's heart rate goes above 170 as shown in the graph. Is this a sign of concern? How much is a average baby's heart rate supposed to be at this stage of gestation? My pulse being >100 is also a cause of concern? How much should the ideal pulse rate be? Could this also be factors to bring the baby out sooner than completing full term?
Also, what could be reasons the baby is not gaining weight as expected?
Lastly can you please explain the process of labour induction and how should I be prepared for it incase that is decided as the delivery plan?
Appreciate your inputs.
Thank you! XXXXXXX
Brief Answer:
Baby has a low weight.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
The ultrasound scan suggests a low birth weight baby with normal amount of liquor.
The induction of labor has been advised as there are now fewer chances of any further growth in the baby after 37 weeks completed weeks.
The liquor will gradually start decreasing and will make the chances of a normal delivery even lesser.
If we wait further and the liquor around the baby decreases then going for an elective C-section will be the only way and this can eb associated with perinatal asphyxia- difficulty in breathing in the baby.
Natural labor is likely to start after 39 weeks. This can further retard the baby's growth. A low birth weight baby can be delivered normally if there is a good amount of liquor around the baby.
Rise in the heartbeat of the baby during movements in NST is a normal finding. Your heart rate above 100 indicates stress in your heart and can be related to hypertension.
The ideal pulse rate of the mother should be between 70-90 beats/ min.
A decrease in placental blood circulation or maternal hypertension is a common cause of low birth weight baby.
For induction of labor, the Cerviprime gel is inserted in the cervix so that the cervix ripens.
Then according to the vaginal examination findings and progress of pains, an intravenous drip with oxytocin is started along with regular monitoring of fetal heart rate to assess any fetal distress during labor.
Hope I have answered your query.
Take care
Regards,
Dr Rakhi Tayal, OBGYN
Baby has a low weight.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
The ultrasound scan suggests a low birth weight baby with normal amount of liquor.
The induction of labor has been advised as there are now fewer chances of any further growth in the baby after 37 weeks completed weeks.
The liquor will gradually start decreasing and will make the chances of a normal delivery even lesser.
If we wait further and the liquor around the baby decreases then going for an elective C-section will be the only way and this can eb associated with perinatal asphyxia- difficulty in breathing in the baby.
Natural labor is likely to start after 39 weeks. This can further retard the baby's growth. A low birth weight baby can be delivered normally if there is a good amount of liquor around the baby.
Rise in the heartbeat of the baby during movements in NST is a normal finding. Your heart rate above 100 indicates stress in your heart and can be related to hypertension.
The ideal pulse rate of the mother should be between 70-90 beats/ min.
A decrease in placental blood circulation or maternal hypertension is a common cause of low birth weight baby.
For induction of labor, the Cerviprime gel is inserted in the cervix so that the cervix ripens.
Then according to the vaginal examination findings and progress of pains, an intravenous drip with oxytocin is started along with regular monitoring of fetal heart rate to assess any fetal distress during labor.
Hope I have answered your query.
Take care
Regards,
Dr Rakhi Tayal, OBGYN
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Kampana
Answered by
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