When is induction of labour recommended for fetal growth restriction?

Fetal growth restriction means a baby is not growing as expected, often because the placenta is not supplying enough oxygen and nutrients. A small measurement alone does not determine the plan. Clinicians consider ultrasound growth, blood flow in the umbilical cord and other vessels, amniotic fluid, fetal movements, heart-rate monitoring, your blood pressure, and how far the pregnancy has progressed. Stable findings may allow continued surveillance, while worsening placental blood flow or monitoring can shift the balance toward birth.

Keep every scan and monitoring appointment because changes can occur without obvious symptoms. Record the baby’s usual movement pattern and follow the maternity team’s instructions about when to contact them. Discuss the cervix, the proposed induction method, pain-relief choices, and what happens if labour does not progress. Depending on the findings, planned caesarean birth may be considered instead of induction.

Contact your maternity unit promptly if movements are reduced or changed, or if you have vaginal bleeding, leaking fluid, regular painful contractions, severe headache, vision changes, or sudden swelling. Do not wait for the next scheduled scan when fetal movement feels clearly different. These signs require assessment regardless of the baby’s estimated size.

Which scan or monitoring finding is guiding the timing? How often will surveillance be needed if we wait? Is induction suitable for my cervix and the baby’s condition? When would caesarean birth become safer?