How accurate are growth scans and what are peoples experiences with elective c sections??

[Cherty19]

I'm coming up for my last growth scan at 36 weeks,I've been told I can have an elective c section and make my desicion after this scan, this is due to baby measuring bigger than average I'm of a petite size myself and this is my second baby, my first baby was 9 lbs 1oz they didn't know he was big for me until he was coming and got stuck in my birth canal with shoulder distortion then being delivered by forecepts so would rather not have that again.

I had an elective c section and it was such a positive experience. Really calm, nice environment, measurable recovery (even with an infection on the wound that was dealt with with antibiotics quickly). Downside is recovery period and suppose having a scar but I'd taken that every time over the potential issues I know can happen. But to stress, so so many of my friends had really positive vaginal births too! Definitely go with what feels right to you x

Growth scans were extremely unreliable for me. The babies are so small that a difference in how the sonographer measures can make a massive difference in percentages.

During my second pregnancy my belly measured small on the stupid tape measure thing with the midwife. Massive panic, regular ultrasound scans, consultants pushed for elective C section which I said I’d refuse etc. Then measured normal on a few ultrasounds. Then measured big for one ultrasound. Again massive panic, blood sugars measured (normal), talk of dislocated shoulders, elective C section pushed again, refused again. Then measured normal again, third massive panic, baby shrunk since the last scan etc.

Delivered an average size baby. The tape measure is notoriously unreliable and the one ultrasound that showed the baby as “big” must have been 10% off triggering several consultations.

I had a very similar experience to you. First baby was a little on the large side and the head was big. He got stuck and needed forceps to get out, which was done in surgery.

The growth scan for my second at 34 weeks predicted 4.5kg and a head that was off the charts big, so I opted for a c-section. Glad I did as it was bang on. I was told that for big babies there is a .5kg margin of error either way.

C-section was so much calmer. The recovery is tough but you’re not exhausted from a difficult labour and my recovery from the first wasn’t easy either. Would opt for a c-section if another baby came along.

Good luck with whatever you decide!

My DD was told at 32 weeks the baby was small. Another scan at 36 was the same. Baby born at 39 weeks weight 8lb 10. So hardly small in any stretch of the imagination. Especially with my 5ft 2 size 10 dd

Not sure on CS as she had a vaginal delivery taking under an hour

https://www.better-birth.co.uk/post/big-babies-small-babies-induction-and-grow-charts-what-s-the-deal

I had an elective cesarean last week. I had 3 kids naturally previously but this time my baby was in breech and I didn't want an ecv. On the day of the cesarean I was OK but got a bit scared when I went into the operating theatre. I had a cannula put in which to be honest was the thing that hurt the most. I was scared the spinal injection would hurt but it wasn't bad. By the time the anaesthetic had kicked in I couldn't feel anything below the waist. The operation took about 10 minutes then they lowered the screen and held my son up, one of the doctors took loads of pictures the whole time using my husbands phone. They didn't hand him straight to me they had to dry him and put a hat on him before putting him on my chest. It was all very easy and not stressful. The healing process was a bit long winded, once I had the feeling back in my legs and could get up and use the toilet I was shuffling about like I had aged 100 years, the midwives wanted me to do 2 wees after taking my catheter out but I couldn't wee until about 7 hours after the catheter was removed. They also didn't warn me about standing up for the first time. I had been lying on large pads to soak the Lochia but obviously didn't have knickers and a pad on do I stood up and got blood all over the floor. Just make sure while you are recovering you have help with things like that, and take whichever painkillers you need. Once home make sure you are resting plenty. Good luck and congratulations on your imminent arrival

I believe shoulder dystocia increases your risk of another one, which is an obstetric emergency. In your case I'd go with the section. It doesn't only happen for bigger babies either.

I had an elective 9 months ago and it was a very calm experience. I didn't have any issues with recovery.

Scans are wildly inaccurate though so don't base your decision on that.

My partner had an emergency section with our first as she is petite with a narrow pelvis and they didn't manage to get him out even with forceps. She had an elective section with the second and the experience was much better, very calm and relaxed, much faster recovery (we went home the next day). Our hospital also had a special ward for the elective sections right near the showers and toilets, which wasn't the case for the emergencies as they're not planned for in the same way.

Re. growth scans, baby 1 was supposedly measuring big but actually was totally average, just tricked everyone with his long femurs. But baby 2 was bigger and the midwives said this is often the case.

Me personally, I would make the decision to have an elective section based on your desire for the sort of birth you want to have (avoiding risk of shoulder dystocia and forceps) rather than expected size. The scan size estimates can be quite off. My friend had a section at 41 weeks because she was overdue with a projected 9-10 lb baby. Her baby was born 5 lbs 9 oz. 🤷🏻‍♀️ But ultimately, this is about you and trusting your gut for what is best. You can have shoulder dystocia even with a small baby. It’s about malpositioning, not size. Small women have big babies all the time with no issues. The best way to birth though is the way you’ll feel the most relaxed and comfortable. If that’s an elective section, book it and start getting things organised regardless of the scan.

Thanks for replies, I have heard from people I know growth scans being accurate although I think with my last baby being large for me might make it more likely this one is too. I think an elective c section could be a better optition even tho I gather it's not the easy way it in recovery terms.