Overdue update and question to anyone who has had small babies or been induced

So for anyone who has been following my pregnancy, you know the background so Ill make it quick. I am now 33 weeks pregnant, got pregnant wayyy to soon, couldnt stop losing weight and couldnt eat enough to support us both. I had finally stabilized my weight at 168lb (from 200lb the day I found out) but at my appt Monday found out I loss another 2 lbs.

The effects of all this, baby is very very small. They dont quite want to blame it on the surgery and my limited intake of food but they cannot tract any other reasons. The placenta is working fine, amniotic fluid is good, and I am now taking in adequate calories and carbs so they are assuming its an issue of the malabsorption. How small is baby? Right now she is only weighing in at 3 lbs 7 oz and at only the 11th percentile. They are worried and have me on modified bedrest (cant do complete cause of school and travel). They also prepped me for the idea that more than likely I will be induced as soon as I turn 37 weeks. What will determine this is if baby girl dips below the 10th percentile at any point (and they are sure she will be by my next u/s on Monday unless she has a major growth spurt) and what the high risk dr says (whom I will see tomorrow morning).
 
So my question...has anyone delivered an extremely small baby, like below the 10% percentile mark or who had to be induced because of a small baby? How much time did they have to stay in the NICU? I am pretty sure since she is that small she is going to have to spend some time there. At what weight do they release babies? Also, anyone whose been induced right at the term line...did you end up needing a c-section? Everything I find leads to most needing one because baby just isnt ready to come out on their own at that point. Any reassurance, advice, or knowledge, or kind words would be greatly appreciated.

Simone

Why do they induce just because she is small? Wouldn't they want her to grow all the way to 40 weeks and have everything be more mature and developed??

I hope that all is well and she doesn't have to spend and NICU time!

Liz

I agree with you Liz!
I'd refuse to be inuced.

There is a reason why she isn't growing within the womb, and if it hasn't corrected itself by now, it's not going to.  Google IUGR and read up on it.  It explains why they would take the baby early.  Basically, she will grow better on the outside than inside.

B

Thanks Bridget - I will check it out!

I just read it.
That makes sense.

Simone,

I don't know about this stuff, but wouldn't she continue to grow if she stayed inside of you the full gestational period?

Where are you doctors - PA or NY?  I would eat good healthy food and take supplements like crazy at this point.

Don't see her a small, a premie, needing a c-section or any of the negative stuff.  Envision everything going right.  PREPARE, but Deal with things as they come along - that is the only control we have.

What's your little girl's name?

xo,
Leila

Hi Leila,

My doctors are in NY. Unfortunately no matter how much I eat or supplement at this point she is not going to grow as much as she needs to. The technical term is inter-uterine growth restricted. The causes of it cant always be pinpointed (at least not until after birth and everything can be medically examined) as in my case but the baby just refuses to grow on schedule. So since she will not grow inside the womb it is best for her to be outside where they can supplement with higher caloric food and watch her weight more closely.

Her name....crazy but with everything going on we still have not settled on a final name yet.

I didn't know about about this interuterine growth restriction until I briefly glanced at the other reply post after I replied already.

Sorry that this has all been so difficult for you.  I don't know how you are functioning in school with all the worries.

Just embrace and love her.  No matter what, you will end up okay.  BELIEVE!!!

I'm in Brooklyn if you need anything.

xo,
Leila

Its ok. I am just staying strong for her. As of right now, I just left the doctor and I will probably be taking a medical leave from school because the driving is too much and they want to keep a closer watch on her. Thanks for the love.