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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:
Original poster
AnxiousMamo · 04/09/2023 10:03

@Soverymuchfruit The hospital I was in has a Costa so my DP got me a toastie and caramel latte! Amazing after doing the diabetes diet for so long 😁

OP posts:
Soverymuchfruit · 04/09/2023 10:06

AnxiousMamo · 04/09/2023 10:03

@Soverymuchfruit The hospital I was in has a Costa so my DP got me a toastie and caramel latte! Amazing after doing the diabetes diet for so long 😁

Heaven!

LetsDoTheTango · 04/09/2023 18:53

@AnxiousMamo congratulations on the safe arrival of your baby girl! Glad to hear all went okay. Enjoy those newborn snuggles!😊

KajsaKavat · 06/09/2023 01:44

I once had a very large baby apparently toy according to the scans and the obstetrician, I had pregnancy diabetes but was very very strict and all good glucose levels…

anysay, I refused to be induced or have a section and baby was born a week and a bit late and bang on national average weight.

I think sometimes they just want to scare you

MissTrip82 · 06/09/2023 04:48

An elective section just means one planned in advance that takes place before labour commences. It’s still a medically indicated section the vast majority of the time.

Coulditreallybe · 06/09/2023 20:38

@KajsaKavat ignoring medical advice isn’t generally anything to be proud of. Be very glad you and your baby are well despite you ‘refusing’ medical advice.

phoenixrosehere · 06/09/2023 21:12

Coulditreallybe · 06/09/2023 20:38

@KajsaKavat ignoring medical advice isn’t generally anything to be proud of. Be very glad you and your baby are well despite you ‘refusing’ medical advice.

Depends on the medical advice.

If it’s not evidence-based and concerning the actual patient then it isn’t good or even necessary advice. Doctors can and do be wrong and have their own biases just like everyone else and countless women and babies have been hurt, injured or worse due to bad medical advice and practices. There are countless stories about pregnant women not being listened to, dismissed, scared into consenting into things they don’t want and there being negative outcomes leading to myriads of issues (emotional, physical, and mental) for the mum and baby.

user1471556818 · 06/09/2023 21:38

I never say this in real life to any pregnant woman. However 30 yrs ago I was induced, epidural hrs later husband flung theatre outfit as i was rushed to theatre as i was crashing traumatic birth with forcepts as they were prepping for emergency section.
At the time I was just grateful my baby was OK bar massive brusing and a scar .I had literally hundreds of stitches for my 3rd degree rectal tear.
Surgery 2 yrs later to repair rectum again .Advised against repair surgery for my painful stich line in my vagina .
I still have problems with bowels and see can be painful despite a very loving husband who knows we're to avoid.
Have the section.
And enjoy your big baby

Wanderingfree32 · 06/09/2023 21:43

I had a 5lb baby as my first and then a 9lb-der as my second child.

That second birth totally fucked me up down there! Third degree tear and my arse has never been the same. It's been leaking ever since (GP recently stuck their finger up when I asked them for advice and said it's fine. Doesn't feel it to me!) and never been able to hold my wee since either. This was 10+ years ago.

In your shoes, I'd go for the C Section...

Edit: just seen you had the baby. Congrats!

KajsaKavat · 06/09/2023 22:32

The “advise” was just bullying and not factual at all.
she was my third baby and the exact same size as my other two.

Coulditreallybe · 06/09/2023 22:41

phoenixrosehere · 06/09/2023 21:12

Depends on the medical advice.

If it’s not evidence-based and concerning the actual patient then it isn’t good or even necessary advice. Doctors can and do be wrong and have their own biases just like everyone else and countless women and babies have been hurt, injured or worse due to bad medical advice and practices. There are countless stories about pregnant women not being listened to, dismissed, scared into consenting into things they don’t want and there being negative outcomes leading to myriads of issues (emotional, physical, and mental) for the mum and baby.

Show quote history

Of course there are.

but statistically they’re right far, far more than they’re wrong.

ignoring medical advice is therefore, as I said, ‘generally’ unwise.

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