Really freaking out about big DS3

[ImpYCelyn]

My first two were 7lbs6 and 6lbs13. But DS3 has been measuring 3 weeks over since 20 weeks. I had a growth scan at 28+5 and he was just over 3 weeks ahead, and estimated to be 3lbs7 already. Everything measures at the top of the scale, head, femur, abdomen. Yesterday 31+4 I saw a midwife who exclaimed "gosh he's a very good size, isn't he?" When she checked his position.

And I am increasingly freaking out about it. After the growth scan they said I should expect him to be 10lbs or over at 40w, but what if he's overdue?? I keep waiting to find out he's slowed down, that he grew early, but I know that in reality his biggest gains should be from now on.

I feel really ungrateful worrying about this, but I'm so stressed by it. If it had been one scan I might have written it off, but it's been three, plus a midwife.

Does anyone have any reassurance please?

[Mybeardeddragonjustdied2016]

My ds was 9-3 and the labour was 2h 55 mins. He was my second baby and much easier than the first who was 6-13!!

[Babyiwantabump]

My 2nd DS was 11lb 7 oz and it was my quickest and easiest labour by far . 7lb4 oz DD was my most painful and longest .

Don't worry about size - most growth scans can be inaccurate by about 2lb either way.

Trust your body to make a baby you can birth.

[Cinnamal]

My second was 9lb 12, he popped out in 1hr 50 no tearing or anything. It was a fantastic experience. Obviously this is just what happened in my situation but hopefully it's of some reassurance to you! If it's your third, chances of you going overdue must be pretty small too.

[ImpYCelyn]

Thanks ladies. I have heard large babies can be easier to get out, so it's good to hear you had no problems - Google brings up some horror stories! Certainly with the last two my waters didn't break until just before the head popped out and I remember the pressure being intense, so I'm hoping he might pop the waters earlier...

The first was a day early and the second was 2 days late, but the midwives reckoned he looked 2 weeks early and the dates might have been out. I'm certain of dates this time, so I'm really hoping he pops out before 40w!

[ImpYCelyn]

Massive respect for Babyiwantabump! I think ds1 was about 3 months old before he weighed that! (He has weight issues post birth.)

[WankersHacksandThieves]

My first was 9lb 13. I did end up with a section, but that was because he was back to back, not because of his size - needed the same for DS2 who was only 8lb 3 because he was also back to back and expected to get stuck too.

If you are sure of your dates, have you been checked for gestational diabetes?

[ImpYCelyn]

Yes, urine completely fine, they haven't even suggest a gtt as it's nowhere close to the threshold. Even at the growth scan they just said he proportionally big all round and continuing at the same rate, so he's just a big baby... DHs family were all massive babies, no gd there, so I think it might just be his genes kicking in.

[WankersHacksandThieves]

I'm sure he'll be a bonny boy. My mum commented that DS1 had proper legs in shorts even as a new born. He's 16 and 6' 3 now. and still wearing fecking shorts!

[ImpYCelyn]

Haha, thanks wankers (sorry!)

[Notso]

Try not to worry.
DD was 7lb 1oz, 40 weeks,
DS1 was 9lb 5oz at 41 weeks
DS2 was 9lb 0.5 oz at 37 and a bit weeks,
DS3 was expected to be gigantic, over 10lb according to growth scans. He was only 8lb 4 oz at 39 weeks, he seemed so mini compared to my other two boys.

[ImpYCelyn]

Thanks Notso!!

[shatteredmumtobe]

Hello,

I was measuring 51cm and 4kg at 36 +5 so I share your anxiety.

I am being induced on Monday at 39 weeks as they don't want him to grow anymore, my trust won't do a section on big babies as they want you to try and deliver naturally.

The consultant said they wouldn't let me go over my due date so perhaps yours will do the same, they did offer to induce me straight away (Thursday) but I think that was because I was freaking out (I can't have local anaesthetic so no epidural) but I just wasn't ready mentally as being induced was the last thing I wanted so I opted for Tuesday.

All the men in my family are 6'4 + so I think it maybe just in the family.

The midwives just kept saying what yours are that he was all round big and not to worry, but my community midwife referred me to the consultant who was really good and talked through things.

[ImpYCelyn]

Thanks shattered. I read your thread. I hate the idea of induction and can see why you are freaking out with your situation. I really hope it goes well for you

They haven't mentioned anything yet, and it's a planned home birth, but in my head I'm taking my emergency hospital bag a bit more seriously this time. I really shouldn't prepare for failure though, but I am worried about it!

[shatteredmumtobe]

Thank you, I hope it all goes well for you too.

My DH asked about a home birth (before the induction chat) and they said I couldn't as I have to much fluid (if my waters break dial an ambulance and go on all fours) but they also said if it was just due to the baby being large they still allow home births, so fingers crossed for you

[Branleuse]

my second baby was 10lb, and he was actually my favourite of my 3 labours.

All labours are painful, but the majority of it is contractions which are just as bad with small babies. The only difference is in the crowning, which admittedly was quite eye watering with ds2, but tbh, its such a small part of the labour, and by that time youre dying to get it out

[ImpYCelyn]

Thanks shattered.

Good point Branleuse. And hopefully he'll come a bit quicker for it...

[ThinkOfAWittyNameLater]

Thanks for this thread. I'm having similar wobble about big DS2. Keep telling myself that gravity will help me this time!...

[stealthbanana]

Great thread. I've just had a growth scan this week with my first baby who at 28+3 was measuring 30+5 with an estimated weight of 3lb5oz. Like you, all the linear measurements are right up at the top centile. I've had the GTT and passed with flying colours so it's not that - he's just enormous.

Am quietly freaking out as its my first birth, I am reasonably small and also hypermobile. I am worried he is going to ruin me!

Doctor has said we can talk about an elective c section closer to the time if it's what I want. I don't know what I want - other than not to break myself during labour!

[ImpYCelyn]

Stealth I think you have a coup,e of things on your side there. If it's your first they tend to be a bit slower, so hopefully you'll get a proper "warm-up" and be nicely prepared. I'm actually more worried about him shooting out really quickly and tearing on the way as I won't have had so long stretching everything building up to it. Also I'm hypermobile too, I'm sort of hoping that that means everything will stretch a bit better, rather than that it'll mean long term damage. I have more problems prebirth with hips slipping a bit and my lower back not being very stable!

Someone (non-medical) asked me about ECS - I'd rather avoid it if I can as I don't really want the extra recovery period. I'm seeing the MW this week, so we'll see how he's growing then!

[MsFiremanSam]

DS3 was born yesterday - 9llb 13. Labour was 2.5 hours and no stitches!

[ImpYCelyn]

Congratulations Mrs!! How lovely! And thank you for sharing

[shatteredmumtobe]

Hello,

Little update -

DS born by ECS - speaking to the midwives the morning of my induction and going for another scan I opted for the CS.

In my case it was a good job as DS is 11lbs and 23" long.

I would say though this was a decision based on the fact I couldn't get local anaesthetic and tearing was highly likely.

Main thing is we are both safe and sound and recovering well, I wasn't keen on going down the section route either but I'm glad I did, try not to give yourself a hard time if you decide to go down this route.

[ImpYCelyn]

Congratulations on the safe arrival of your little boy shattered Wow, what a weight! I bet he's scrummy! Really glad to hear you're both recovering well