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Question
26 Jan 2004
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Small for dates baby
Hi,
I recently went for a scan (I am now 34 - 35 wks pregnant) and discovered that the scan is showing that I am only 31-32 wks pregnant. I know my exact dates so there's no doubt about it. I smoke quite heavily unfortunately and my doctor has told me to quit immediately and come back to see him in 2 wks time. Will stopping smoking now really help? Should I get a second opinion? and what else could have caused this? Is my baby possibly deformed in some way? I am feeling very helpless and anxious as to whether everything will be o.k. Please explain why this happens and if there is something one can do?
I recently went for a scan (I am now 34 - 35 wks pregnant) and discovered that the scan is showing that I am only 31-32 wks pregnant. I know my exact dates so there's no doubt about it. I smoke quite heavily unfortunately and my doctor has told me to quit immediately and come back to see him in 2 wks time. Will stopping smoking now really help? Should I get a second opinion? and what else could have caused this? Is my baby possibly deformed in some way? I am feeling very helpless and anxious as to whether everything will be o.k. Please explain why this happens and if there is something one can do?
GynaeDoc
I think the most likely reason for your baby being small is the smoking. While the damage has already been done, stopping smoking now would prevent things from getting worse. the reason why smoking causes a fall-off in growth is that it interferes with the blood supply from the placenta to the baby.
Best wishes
Best wishes
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