The “small baby” card

Now this is a subject close to my heart, if you have read “the start of my story” blog you will know why, now let’s dive in…

"Your Baby's Measuring Small" - Should That Mean an Automatic Induction?

You’re at your antenatal appointment, and someone says:

"Your baby’s measuring small. Let’s get you booked in for an induction."

Hold up, Susan. It’s not actually that simple.

Let’s Break It Down

Hearing your baby is measuring small can feel alarming. Often, it’s said like there’s only one safe option, induction. But that skips over a lot of important info,, and you deserve more than a quick decision based on numbers alone.

Here’s what’s really going on.

First: Are We Talking About SGA or FGR?

Two key terms to understand:

• SGA (Small for Gestational Age) means your baby is on the smaller side but growing well and showing no signs of trouble.

• FGR (Fetal Growth Restriction) is when a baby isn’t growing as expected and might not be getting everything they need.

Big difference. One means small but healthy. The other means potentially struggling. And yet, both often get lumped together under the umbrella of “you need to be induced.” (Like it did for me)

Second: Tape Measures Aren’t Gospel

Many growth concerns start with a tape measure across your bump. But this isn’t an exact science.

Things like your baby's position, your body shape, and even a full bladder can throw it off. If your measurement is slightly off, you're usually sent for a growth scan. But even that isn't perfect.

Third: Scans Have a 15–20% Margin of Error

Yep, you read that right. If a scan says your baby is 2.5kg, they could actually weigh anywhere between 2.1kg and 2.9kg.

So when someone tells you your baby is below the 10th centile, you need more information. Like:

• Are they growing steadily?

• Is blood flow through the cord looking good?

• Is your placenta functioning well?

• Is your baby showing signs of distress?

If everything else looks good, you might just be carrying a naturally small baby. That’s not a medical emergency.

Do You Have to Be Induced?

No. Induction is your choice. Always.

If your baby genuinely isn’t growing or there are signs of distress, then yes—bringing baby out sooner might be the safest call.

But if your baby is small and doing just fine, then the risks and benefits of induction deserve a proper, informed conversation. Not a rushed booking.

Ask the Right Questions

Before agreeing to anything, ask about:

• Your baby’s growth trend over time

• Doppler scans

• Amniotic fluid levels

• Placenta function

• Your overall health

You don’t need to say yes on the spot. You’re allowed to go away and think. You’re allowed to ask for a second opinion.

Informed, Not Pushed

Being told your baby is measuring small doesn’t mean you’re broken. It doesn’t mean your body can’t grow your baby. And it definitely doesn’t mean you need to be scared into induction.

You have time. You have options. And you have a right to make a decision that feels right for you.

If you want someone on your side who gets how the system works and can help you ask the questions that matter, I’m here, drop me an email