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:
TBC45678 · 08/08/2023 23:02

Haven't read all the responses, but my second baby was unexpectedly big, 9lb11oz (91st centile). It wasn't picked up on any scans or bump measurements so it took everyone by surprise, the first I knew was when the midwives were clearly slightly concerned as I started to push.

Anyway, it was absolutely fine and I'm actually very glad it hadn't been flagged up because I had a completely uneventful, relatively quick, natural delivery with a very minor tear (1st degree). If I'd have known how big he was I think the stress and concern about what to do, as you are going through, would have really upset me. I feel for you! But honestly, giving birth to him was really not much different to giving birth to my first, much, much smaller baby.

Good luck with whatever you decide!

Alittlenonsensenowandthen · 08/08/2023 23:02

I've only had sections so my view is skewed. However, having compared myself to friends who've had natural births, I recovered a lot quicker than the few of them who'd had difficult births. My elective c section was very calm. The worst thing post section was the 'mothers apron '. But id rather that than be incontinent tbh

ReadingSoManyThreads · 08/08/2023 23:04

Shoulder dystocia risk is actually about the same for small babies as large, and induction increases the risk of should dystocia. C-sections are not supposed to be advised for big babies. The key to birthing a bigger baby is to remain mobile and upright, such as in a squat or all fours position as this opens up your pelvis. Do not give birth on your back. Personally, I would decline both induction and c-section, and am for a spontaneous vaginal birth. Guidelines do not support what you have been offered at 39 weeks for GD either. Check the NICE guidelines and then make your decisions from there. So many hospitals ignore NICE despite them being written based on evidence-based information.

whattodo22222 · 08/08/2023 23:05

HamBone · 08/08/2023 21:14

Does anyone know why the hormone drip inductions sometimes fail so badly? I just assumed that they worked quickly (because mine did), but they don’t!

For me, they turned the drip up too high and it caused baby's heart rate to skyrocket and then drop to zero. They had to turn it off and give me a drug to stop the contractions as they'd become too intense for her.

obladeeobladah · 08/08/2023 23:07

I had an absolutely hellish time with DC 1, pushed for an hour but no sign of his head, then they noticed meconium so went for a rushed forceps delivery (the super long forceps) but it turned out epidural had failed so I felt everything, including where they sliced me open (to prevent tearing??). I was properly traumatised and probably had PTSD from the whole experience.

DC1 had been huge but was super skinny and was 8lb 13. With DC2 they were saying baby was measuring larger and they were right, she was 9lb 4, but she popped out simple as a smartie so sometimes second babies are easier! Although she has a small head and DC1 has DH's huge head

Landlubber2019 · 08/08/2023 23:12

Dc1 born at 39 weeks under 8lbs vontouse with episiotomy. Tricky but not hideous.

Dc2 measured big by community midwife but growth scan reassured that it would be ok. Decided to go with induction at 39 wks. DC arrived at 37 wks weighing in at 10lb. Shoulder dystocia difficult to resolve. Baby was xrayed and fortunately no broken bones identified, unfortunately he was paralyzed down his left side.

Given a choice get yourself a cs.

Original poster
AnxiousMamo · 08/08/2023 23:15

@Landlubber2019 I’m so sorry to hear that. How is your DC doing now? Flowers

OP posts:
Lackinginspiration1 · 08/08/2023 23:17

I was the same, hated induction and recovery from episiotomy was awful. Elective c section for my second was the right choice for me

Purplepeaches123 · 08/08/2023 23:17

HotSince82 · 08/08/2023 21:13

What would I do?

I'd have an elective section. I've had four elective sections following a horrific 'natural' birth.

If men gave birth hardly anyone would have to go through childbirth, much less a potentially dangerous scenario type one. But that's another thread entirely.

My electives were great and I recovered form them much easier than from my rotational forceps delivery with episiotomy.

Same story. Keilland Forceps the first time which caused so much damage to me I had to have a posterior and anterior prolapse repair done when my son was a toddler and a vaginal repair as the episiotomy became so infected the stitches fell out! I had electives with my next 2 in the space of 14 months. The recovery was 100% easier .

My son is 24 and a couple if years back I did a GDPR for all of his hospital notes. It made me feel sick reading through my birth with him, there were pages of delivery notes, brought it all back.

Justbecause19 · 08/08/2023 23:32

I think generally lots of first births are awful and subsequent ones better. DC1 was 8lb 12 and a forceps delivery after 21 hours in labour. DC2 was 9lb 6 with a 6 hour labour start to finish, pushed for 9mins. I'm currently pregnant with DC3 who is also measuring big. Different areas must do it differently as I've never been offered an elective section/early induction due to size.

citygirl1234567 · 08/08/2023 23:37

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.

Hi,

my firstborn was 8.6, second was 9.2 and last one was 10.1!
All born naturally but firstborn was induced and then delivered with forceps.
With baby 3 they thought I had diabetes and offered induction but there was no way I was doing that. It was horrendous and much more painful that either child 2 or 3 (no pain relief).
Good luck!

Original poster
AnxiousMamo · 08/08/2023 23:45

@Justbecause19 I think the c-section/induction is being offered because I have gestational diabetes AND the baby is measuring big. Also with my last baby being macrosomic and needing an assisted delivery / episiotomy. Although the consultant did seem optimistic that a second vaginal birth with a big baby would be easier.

There’s just so many unknowns. I don’t fancy the recovery that comes with a section, but equally I do not want to risk another instrumental birth or tearing or another episiotomy. I had really hoped for a spontaneous, natural water birth after a horrible induction experience last time. I don’t fancy not being induced and letting the baby get bigger with diabetes either. There is also the increased chance of still birth associated with gestational diabetes too. It seems that it is safer to have a section for the baby. It’s a lot to consider and I’m so confused and scared and worried!

OP posts:
Darkmodal · 08/08/2023 23:51

@AnxiousMamo obviously experiences differ but I can only reassure you that my c section was such an easy, wonderful experience. The recovery was fine too. I even moved house when my baby was 6 weeks old.

If you choose a c section, please try not to worry. I would 100% do it again.

justanothermumsy · 08/08/2023 23:56

C section is the safest way to give birth and certainly is in your case. Why women feel they must tear themselves apart to give birth in 2023 is beyond me. Your baby is at huge risk of shoulder distocia and you of a horrific tear and huge trauma. You have another child to think about too and what would happen if you went into labour early or on a Sunday when no1 is around? Huge huge risk. I feel the same about people having no pain relief and wondering where the medal is. Don't put your family through this

caringcarer · 09/08/2023 00:02

Ophy83 · 08/08/2023 20:56

Elective c-section is statistically safest option.

My niece had this situation except her third birth. First baby 9 lb 5, cut and torn too. Second baby 10 lb 7 and third degree tears. The third time she was told her baby was even bigger and had an elective section. She is a size 10 and took ages to recover after the second birth. She did not regret it.

ChestnutGrove · 09/08/2023 00:06

I've had both. First I had PPH, 3rd degree tear and 2 other tears, ventouse..2nd baby I was advised to have a section so I did. I found it ok and I was able to breastfeed by lying dd next to me to feed

tt9 · 09/08/2023 00:06

justanothermumsy · 08/08/2023 23:56

C section is the safest way to give birth and certainly is in your case. Why women feel they must tear themselves apart to give birth in 2023 is beyond me. Your baby is at huge risk of shoulder distocia and you of a horrific tear and huge trauma. You have another child to think about too and what would happen if you went into labour early or on a Sunday when no1 is around? Huge huge risk. I feel the same about people having no pain relief and wondering where the medal is. Don't put your family through this

the part about the medal is exactly what I always say! there are no medals.

women today should accept the available medical assistance and thank their lucky stars that they are born in this day and not 300 years ago when so many mums died in child birth.

ps @AnxiousMamo I doubt you will be offered a water birth given your risk factors. and to be honest they are not what they are cracked up to be.. and ALL births are natural. the batshit propaganda around 'natural' births has caused a great deal of harm.

inductions are rather unpleasant so not surprised you had any awful time of it.

ChestnutGrove · 09/08/2023 00:08

Just to mention the consultant had concerns I might have shoulder dystocia and become incontinent, so that was why they wanted me to have a section 2nd time

ChestnutGrove · 09/08/2023 00:11

I went home after 48 hours with the section which was earlier than I was able to with the natural birth due to the complications

Floralnomad · 09/08/2023 00:13

I had a 10lb 3 oz baby vaginally , ended up with a haemorrhage , head injury and a blood transfusion . With the second I had an ELCS , spent less time in hospital and recovered much quicker than the first time .

ReadingSoManyThreads · 09/08/2023 00:45

justanothermumsy · 08/08/2023 23:56

C section is the safest way to give birth and certainly is in your case. Why women feel they must tear themselves apart to give birth in 2023 is beyond me. Your baby is at huge risk of shoulder distocia and you of a horrific tear and huge trauma. You have another child to think about too and what would happen if you went into labour early or on a Sunday when no1 is around? Huge huge risk. I feel the same about people having no pain relief and wondering where the medal is. Don't put your family through this

Major abdominal surgery is not the safest way to give birth.

All births carry risk and these decisions are individual to the pregnant woman to make with her own situation in mind.

But don't make ignorant comments that state major abdominal surgery is safer than a vaginal birth. That is completely ignorant, and whilst c-section is sometimes the safer option, it certainly isn't as a blanket option. Generally speaking, vaginal births are safer, but it depends on a lot of factors regarding the individual woman's situation.

I've had both c-section and vaginal birth so am not commenting from a judgemental stance.

8misskitty8 · 09/08/2023 01:00

In your shoes I’d go with section.
My friend with her first child was in labour for over 24 hours, she eventually had a forceps delivery in theatre. Massive tears, blood transfusions. Was in hospital a week, had problems with pee/pooing fir a while afterwards, lots of pain while healing.
The hospital said next time she could request a section.
She got her section with 2nd baby and was out of hospital next day and in hardly any pain.
She wished someone had offered her a section with 1st baby instead of the horrific delivery and surgery she needed afterwards.
She had ‘average’ size babies.

GreeboIsMySpiritAnimal · 09/08/2023 06:34

In your shoes I'd definitely go for the elective. DD was 9lb 10oz at birth and after 27 hours in labour I had an emergency c-section.

Yes there's a recovery period with a c-section, but there's no guarantee if you go for the induction you won't end up needing an emergency c-section anyway, and I've heard that it's easier to recover from a planned one than an unplanned.

I did manage a fairly straightforward v-bac with DS, but he was a little scrap of a thing, not much at 38 weeks than yours is now (although I don't think these scans are 100% accurate).

RandomMess · 09/08/2023 07:14

A c-section will give you some certainty which would help with the anxiety.

You will have a booked in date, the surgery will be planned. You won't be risking birth injury or a failed induction.

xSilverandcoldx · 09/08/2023 07:22

If they are offering the section I would just take it. My first birth was similar, baby not as big as they expected but still got stuck and it took me a while to physically recover from the tearing etc.

Section was offered second time so I went with it and everything was so easy and stress free. My recovery was much faster and less painful!