Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. A phone that grows with your child.

Meet the Other Phone.
A phone that grows with your child.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Massive baby - what would you do?

286 replies

AnxiousMamo · 08/08/2023 20:53

I’ve just been diagnosed with gestational diabetes after baby was measuring 6lb at 34 weeks. All of the measurements were 85th centile plus, with the stomach measurement being off the scale (!)

My first baby was 8lb 15oz, and this one looks set to be even bigger. First DC I had to be induced which was awful and I ended up with an episiotomy, ventouse and I was unable to urinate afterwards for a week (I needed a catheter). It was pretty traumatic, although I was able to look after DC and be mobile straight after birth which was good.

I have another scan next week when I will be 37 weeks, and they will compare measurements and the consultant will advise me. They have given me two options - induction at 39 weeks or an elective caesarean. Both carry risks. With induction there is the risk it won’t work, I may need intervention again, tears, episiotomy and shoulder dystocia for the baby. With a caesarean there are the usual associated risks. The consultant did they that as I have had a big baby previously, that is a good sign for a vaginal birth.

I am wondering if any others have been in this situation and how it went for you, what did you decide? How was the birth?

Thanks in advance.

OP posts:
coxesorangepippin · 22/08/2023 19:57

Section

Original poster
AnxiousMamo · 22/08/2023 20:05

Thank you @MeinKraft @BrawnWild @LetsDoTheTango.

I feel better knowing I have some control and can change my mind at any point regarding the induction. My last DC was induced at 42 weeks, my mother also had long pregnancies (all went beyond 41 weeks), so I’m not too confident that my body will even be ready to be induced / labour by 39 weeks. It is my second baby though and I’m going to for sure try my best to get things moving!

OP posts:
Original poster
AnxiousMamo · 03/09/2023 01:37

Thought I’d come back and update the thread.

DD was born yesterday morning via EMCS at 38 weeks + 5 days. She weighed 7lb 8oz. My waters broke on Thursday, but didn’t progress to contractions after 24 hours. I was then put on the drip to try and stimulate things, and had a mobile epidural before the induction started. This was great, I would highly recommend, whether being induced or not! After 16 hours of the drip, despite contractions, I was only 3cm dilated, at which point a c-section was offered. It was classed as an emergency but actually was much more similar to an elective - I met and chatted to the team, got to listen to music etc.

Interestingly, my placenta showed signs of deterioration.

I am recovering well and DD is lovely!

OP posts:
user1473878824 · 03/09/2023 01:41

My friend had a massive baby last year and went for a c section. Her reasoning was most of the c section stats are because people have emergency c sections so they are going to be skewed.

user1473878824 · 03/09/2023 01:42

Have just seen your update so that’s why you read the whole thread! Congratulations on your little girl xxx

2B2G · 03/09/2023 02:05

I would have the c section, big babies can get their shoulders stuck not to mention the damage they can do to you.

I had big babies for me (apparently according the midwives) as at the time I was naturally tiny and 5' 2"

1st was 8lb 13oz and ended up needing an emergency c section one of the reasons being the baby was too big to come out.

2nd was 7lb 8oz vbac

3rd was 7lb 6oz vbac

4th was 7lb 10oz vbac induced at 38 weeks coz they were getting big and want me to have them before they got too big to deliver naturally again.

This was obviously my bodies limits as to me they wasn't big babies but the consultant and midwives were saying they was for my body.

So if they are suggesting a induction early or a c section. Me personally I would take the c section just to be easier on your body and ultimately not a traumatic birth for you both. Yes natural isn't as painful as c section recovery even with stitches down there (had stitches down there with all 3 natural, getting stitches hurts more than the birth, god I hated that the most) but it just gives you peace of mind about everything. As long as baby is healthy it doesn't matter which you pick. Just do what's right for you :)

Good luck!!

Lookingatthesunset · 03/09/2023 02:07

Congratulations on your baby girl!!

I had to have an elective c/s with my first baby as basically she'd eaten all the placenta and refused to respond to induction! She was 8lbs 7.5 and my obs reckoned I'd never have been able to birth her vaginally.

2nd DD was also elective c/s as she was 9lbs 5.5!! I still remember my obs' face turned red with the effort of hauling her out!! DS was a couple of ounces heavier!

2B2G · 03/09/2023 02:07

Didn't see you had the baby! Congratulations!!!! So happy for you!!

anon2022anon · 03/09/2023 07:17

Congratulations! Sounds like the birth wasn't too bad, hope you're recovering well

Totalwasteofpaper · 03/09/2023 07:27

So interesting to find the thread late.

I initially thought 💯 elcs.

Then i read your 37 week scan and thought uh-oh is the placenta deteriorating!? I hope she gets that baby out soon.

Glad you had a good birthing experience in the end and you and baby are safe and well. 💐

Hollyppp · 03/09/2023 07:36

Go for elective would be my advice!!

NameChange30 · 03/09/2023 08:48

AnxiousMamo · 03/09/2023 01:37

Thought I’d come back and update the thread.

DD was born yesterday morning via EMCS at 38 weeks + 5 days. She weighed 7lb 8oz. My waters broke on Thursday, but didn’t progress to contractions after 24 hours. I was then put on the drip to try and stimulate things, and had a mobile epidural before the induction started. This was great, I would highly recommend, whether being induced or not! After 16 hours of the drip, despite contractions, I was only 3cm dilated, at which point a c-section was offered. It was classed as an emergency but actually was much more similar to an elective - I met and chatted to the team, got to listen to music etc.

Interestingly, my placenta showed signs of deterioration.

I am recovering well and DD is lovely!

Congratulations! Sounds as if it went calmly and sounds as if you are happy with all the decisions so that's fantastic Smile Enjoy your lovely newborn!

JoieDeLivres · 03/09/2023 08:51

I see you've had the baby, congratulations!

SiouxsieSiouxStiletto · 03/09/2023 09:11

Congratulations Anxious. She sounds perfect Flowers

NameChange30 · 03/09/2023 09:31

Out of interest, @AnxiousMamo, did you have any sweeps, and if so when did you have them?

I wonder if that's why your waters broke at 38+3 or if it just happened.

nutbrownhare15 · 03/09/2023 09:54

Congratulations! Sounds like a positive experience overall, I'm really pleased for you.

Who1what1me · 03/09/2023 15:07

Congratulations @AnxiousMamo . I'm so glad you are both well.

Lightme · 03/09/2023 15:25

Another voice here sahib a c-section is a calm, comfortable option. It's honestly not at all unpleasant. I was awake, calm, everyone was super kind and you're back on your feet quickly. That's what I'd do x

RandomMess · 03/09/2023 15:59

Congratulations 🥳 Flowers

Floralnomad · 03/09/2023 16:35

Congratulations 💐

TolkiensFallow · 03/09/2023 20:16

Ah congratulations!

MiddleAgedLurker · 04/09/2023 06:47

This reply has been withdrawn

This has been withdrawn by MNHQ at the OP's request.

Original poster
AnxiousMamo · 04/09/2023 09:14

@NameChange30 I did have sweeps 72 hours and then 24 hours before my waters broke. I spoke to the midwives about it and they said that was quite unlikely as usually, if the waters go, it will be noticeable at the time of the sweep.

Another interesting thing was that, when I was on the drip, baby would get distressed if I was in any position other than lying down. Any active birthing position like bouncing on the ball, walking, squatting, sitting, she was not happy with. I also find the placental deterioration interesting too. I’m
just really pleased she is hear safe and sound, I feel much better and able today too (48 hours after the c section).

OP posts:
Soverymuchfruit · 04/09/2023 09:40

Congratulations! Sounds a bit like it was your baby who chose the CS in the end.

Soverymuchfruit · 04/09/2023 09:41

Hope you are enjoying some lovely carbs now you are allowed. My hospital brought me a lovely piece of toast just after delivery. Toast! What a treat!