I had b/g twins in 2001 at 35w, and growth discordancy was noted from first u/s at 6w, but really at 24w when we started BPP's and NST's 3x/wk because of DD's size. She was growing, but at a much slower rate than DS. She had low fluid and I had serious cervix issues so I was admitted at 29w and was on a monitor 24/7. She passed all BPP's each time and at 34w peri said he wanted to deliver the following week b/c my kidneys were shutting down. BPP at that point showed DD at 17th percentile, DS at 90th percentile. When they were born, DD weighed 3lbs9oz, DS weighed 6lbs8oz.
Neither needed a NICU stay; both were treated for jaundice, and DD had an IV to regulate her sugars plus an ng tube so she wouldn't lose any more weight. I gave birth on a Monday, brought DS home with me on Friday, and picked DD up on Saturday.
What matters is gestational age. DD was the size of a 30-weeker, but born at 35w. They did an amnio on the day before delivery to check for lung maturity (on DS, since boys' lungs mature more slowly) and we got the green light to deliver the next day. And yes, DD's lungs were mature at birth. Your baby will be monitored closely for fluid, movement, practice breathing, growth. If he continues to thrive in the womb and pass BPP's it will be safe to continue the pregnancy. It's a scary thing, I know, believe me. When I was admitted at 29w because I had zero cervical length left, they told me I would most likely deliver within 24 hours and the neonatologist came in to talk to us about \"mortality vs. morbidity.\" DD wasn't even 1lb at that point, and they gave her a 50/50 chance of survival. I told them there was NO way I was delivering that soon and I stayed there for 45 days until I delivered. I had been drinking 40g protein shakes from 11 weeks on and continued to do so in the hospital. I know all about the terrifying feeling. I really basically spent my entire pregnancy paralyzed with fear. But doing little things which were in my control helped me feel better. And above all, you know your body best, so don't EVER let any medical professional dismiss your concerns. When I was 24 weeks I was seeing a \"high risk\" OB, and I kept telling her I wasn't feeling Baby B moving as much as Baby A. She said, \"Erin, I don't know what to tell you. There's nothing more I can do for you. If I delivered your babies now they'd die.\" That was the last time I saw her. Two days later I was in my peri's office scheduling BPP's and NST's 3x/wk because of the growth discordancy, measured by the u/s they did THAT DAY...I didn't have a single u/s at the ob's office.
Good luck to you! BTW, my twins are 7 y/o today and she is an inch taller and weighs 11lbs more than he does.
Erin
Mikkel and Saoirse, 12.17.01
Ian, 3.6.06