Having a large baby

[Fairy]

I wonder if anyone else has any experience of our 1st pregnancy.

Our son was induced 10 days after my due date and was born after 8 hours with not that much trouble it seemed at the time! But when he emerged he seemed a lot bigger than we expected and this was where the trouble started!

He weighed 10lbs 5ozs and his head circumference was 38 cms!!!! So he was a big chap, due to his size I lost about 2 pints of blood and fainted straight afterwards. When we were wheeled out of the delivery room it looked like I'd been murdered or in a car crash!

So now I find myself at 34 weeks pregnant with our second and finding the consultant at the hospital to be as much use as a wet potato! All I get is 'well you've done it once second time no problem', now that may be true but it does not instill me with much confidence. I'm being scanned again this Thursday, and I will probably be told again that he is an average size, but I cannot believe that I could go from my first being a whopper to the second being just average.

So what I'm asking in a long winded fashion is, does anyone else out there have any experience of this sort thing? Please?!!!!

I've just read this discussion from the start (Congratulations to you on William) and am in a similar position.

My son Harry was born 19 months ago and weighed in at 9lbs 15oz (I'm only 5ft 3in and shoe size 3). The labour was fine and I only needed a TENS machine to get through the contractions but in the end was unable to push him out so ended up having a spinal, episiotomy and forceps. Unfortunatly his shoulders got stuck and the consultant had to give him a good yank to get him out which resulted in Erbs Palsy (paralysis) of his left arm. Around 20 mins after the birth I was told to have a C-section next time and my husband and I started fort-nightly physio sessions to try to get his arm moving again. 18 months on and he has about 95% recovery but still finds it hard to rotate his wrist.

I'm now thinking more and more about number 2 and I really dont think I want a C-section. I asked at the time if I could be monitored more closely second time round (growth scans etc) but was told that it wouldn't really tell much about the size of the baby. I then thought if I found out the sex and if it was a girl the baby could be smaller but I don't know if that follows. My pelvis can obviously take a 10 pounder but ultimately it is what is best for the baby but the thought of recovering from major surgery whilst having another child is starting to put me off.

Any advice/comments much appreciated.

Going on our experience, I think the most important thing is to get as much information behind you as possible. If when you see consultants, GPs and midwives you know what you want to say and you know what you are talking about it gives you a great deal of inner strength, and that is worth its weight in gold!!!

Also it is you doing it and the above always seem to forget that. Having just had William and it being so different from the first time it is quite difficult for me to say what you could do, but it has been alot easier this time, and i tink what helped was that we were prepared for a whopper in our minds and that helped.

BTW they can tell how big the baby will be from the scans, with a pound either way, so don't let them say otherwise.

and Good Luck!!!!

TigerFeet, I was induced a week early for a large second baby. At 37 weeks, I had a scan that determined the baby's weight to be 7 lb 11oz +/- 1 pound, although the technician said that the scans were usually more accurate than that 2 pound range. He was actually only 8 lbs at birth, but gained weight amazingly quickly went from the 50th centile in weight to the 90th within 3 weeks so I think he was going a little more slowly than normal in utero.

Anyway.. the induction went fine and it was a huge relief to know that I wouldn't be going through what I went through with my first (9lbs 4oz, delivered face up). Would you want to go that route? The induction for me consisted only of some gel on my uterus-- things progressed from there without any help. The delivery was fine, although he had to be flipped as he was face up also and wasn't coming out.

Or, could you agree with your consultant to try for a vaginal birth, but if the baby got stuck again to have a c-section instead of using forceps? I don't know if that's a done thing, just something that popped to mind.

ps, Fairy, congrats! 2 pushes.. wow.

A friend of mine had a 10lb 8oz baby vaginally, and then easily delivered her second baby, who was 12lb 10oz!!!!! Unsurprisingly, he was the biggest baby born in the Maternity Unit that year. NCT could supply you with information and possibly put you in touch with someone who's been through the same thing. You can conbtact them on 0870 444 8707 or look at their website www.nctpregnancyandbabycare.com HTH.

Tigerfeet, I am expecting and was told when I had my second scan that they could definitely give a fairly reliable indication of head size and an approximate weight before the due date. We had a long chat with our consultant about the best way forward as our first baby had a very big head, got stuck etc and I found that very helpful.
I second Fairy's advice, get as much information as you can. Don't be afraid to ask for an appointment with your consultant.

Fairy, sorry but I had 4 scans late on in pg as they said the baby wasn't gaining weight (I reckoned it was but, hey, what do I know). Anyway, they confidently told me it would be 7 - 7.5 lbs. She was born 2 days late & weighed in at 9lb 4oz - this was only about 8 days after the last scan!

I'm another one who was told the baby wasn't growing properly when she was. Obviously I was worried even though it seemed unlikely as we all have big babies in my family. I was also put on a monitor when I needed to be at work. She was well above average weight, although not as heavy as the babies here, and my scan must have been over a pound out. Sorry but I doubt they are as reliable as is claimed.

Tigerfeet - I really sympathise, as I am (will be) going through a similar decision-making process myself probably in the middle of next year.
I am now a couple of months pg with my 2nd baby. DS was breech right up until 36 weeks and the hospital wanted to pencil me in for a C-section at 38 weeks. Then in week 37 he finally turned (wow - did I feel that?) and then went on way past his due date. I was finally induced at 42 weeks - no real problems with the induction, and the labour (about 9 hours) was 'OK' but when it came to push he simply wasn't budging. They tried ventouse (which dh & I were really unhappy about incidently, as I had a real sense that it wouldn't work and I was already seeing an emergency c-section looming..) and then of course, when the ventouse didn't work the c-section became a reality. DS came into the world at a chubby 10lbs 3 oz (I'm relatively small framed, normal weight about 9 stone, height 5,6 and had a TINY bump while pregnant, so he must have been really squashed up in there!) Incidently, a scan I had at 36/37 weeks had predicted an 'average sized' c. 8lb baby, so either they were wrong, or he put on a growth spurt (or both probably).

Anyway, I'm now really unsure how to play No.2. I definitely don't want a repeat of the emergency c-section after all else fails, and although they might well offer me another section, I feel my recovery would be quicker if I could manage a normal delivery this time. Last time I felt like I 'missed' the first few weeks of ds's life, as I had infections in my scar, was on antibiotics and also was quite shell-shocked by the whole experience I think.
So any advice/ thoughts welcome....

Tigerfeet - Does your hospital have a policy on big babies?

I'm short and small framed. The midwives knew I was expecting a big baby but said that there was no point doing extra scans etc. as whatever the result there was no way of knowing how the pelvis etc. would stretch. The hospital policy was to treat women expecting big babies no differently to any other mothers-to-be. So I just worried a lot during the last few weeks (I do wish they hadn't told me that he was going to be big).

The labour was very long but not too bad, but when it came to pushing, the babe didn't budge. I had an emergency ceasarian which I've taken a long time to recover from.

I was told that the likelihood of needing a ceasarian for a second baby was only 25%.

For a second baby I would not want an elective c-section, but if I attempted a normal labour and the baby got stuck again I would probably ask the Obstreticians advice as to whether it would be better to go straight to an emergency c-section rather than attempt ventouse/forceps first. Don't want to end up having failed forceps then c-section - double ouch!

MotherofOne & Tigerfeet - dd was delivered with forceps (a rush job as she was distressed), I was drugged to the eyeballs and lost a lot of blood - the consultants wanted me to have a blood transfusion which I refused. I was so bruised and sore I had to have physio for the bruising. It was a couple of weeks after going home before I could walk properly, that was after a week long stay in hospital.

Second time round I was offered a home birth which I refused, instead I opted to give birth on the midwives unit (no GP's or Consultants, who only get involved if complications set in), the midwives were fantastic and I had only gas & air, I tore in the same place as they cut first time, but opted not to have stitches as the midwife said it would take longer to heal, but it would heal more naturally, she was right - I haven't had half as many problems with the scar. ds was not breathing when he was born, but even then the Consultants were not required.

Is there such a unit at the hospital you are or will be booked into?

I went home after 4 days (my choice - I could have gone home after 6 hours!). I told the midwives that I wanted a rest, there was no hassle from them, they basically left you to it if you were happy. 3 or 4 days after leaving hospital I was walking 3 miles to work to show off the baby. Things were so much more relaxed and I really enjoyed my second time round.

Good luck to you both, whatever you decide.

Thank you all for your advice/comments and I now have a better idea of how I'm going to tackle the situation once it arises (got to get pregnant first of course!!!!!)

dm2 - I honestly dont know what their policy is and in Edinburgh we only get a 12 week scan anyway. So many people talk about a 20 week scan but that's not done here (I shall certainly be requesting more scans next time). At one of my pre-natal checks, however, my GP examined me and told me I had a large baby in there. I was 34 or 36 weeks pregnant and he 'guesstimated' a 7lb baby at that stage. Once in labour the midwife also said I was having a large baby but no-one seemed sufficiently bothered to explore different options. I bet they will next time!

Ailsa, we do have a mid-wife led unit up here and for H's birth I started off there which was fantastic but he wasn't coming down despite my efforts so had to go up to the labour suite but I fear with my history that wont even be an option next time. I do take on board the idea of being induced at 38 weeks and having a trial of labour (thank you JJ). Who knows, with the size of number one things 'down there' are bound to be a little more accommodating as it were!!! I believe that second labours are usually shorter than first ones - does this follow if labour no.1 was natural and labour no.2 induced?

Thank you again.

When I was pregnant first time around, at my 34 week scan they measured the baby and said that his measurements were off the top of their chart. I was a bit worried as I still had 6 weeks to go (7 and a 1/2 as it turned out) and because of the fact that dh was 12lbs 6oz when he was born! They made no mention of a section or any other precautionary plans and just sent me home. As my due date came and went I was more and more convinced that it was just going to be so big that it would be hell. As it turned out he weighed 8lbs 14oz and labour was a breeze (in labour terms anyway) The motto being, take what they tell you with a pinch of salt, they aren't always right. My second son was 2 weeks late and 9lbs 1oz and labour was a doddle. A big baby doesn't necessarily mean it will be awful.

Incidentally, we have never heard of a baby bigger than my husband. Has anyone had a baby of 12lbs 6oz or more? (and can still walk!)

Hilary, my friend had a 12lb 10oz baby. Her first had been 10lb 4oz. It was most definitely the biggest baby that year in the Mat Unit! And yes, she could still walk - she was a tall woman although not at all overweight. Also DH's aunt was 12lb, born to his 4ft 11in grandma. Eek!

I know someone training as a midwife and she says that the hospital believes from anecdotal evidence that babies are getting larger. The average weight they deliver is now around 8lb, and she herself has delivered four babies on the trot who each tipped the scales at over 10lb (all uncomplicated deliveries, too). Girls these days seem to be getting larger so maybe it's a knock on effect.

My friends first was 12lb + and had to be induced 4 weeks early for her second as he was fast approaching 12lb then.

I am with star! I thought dd was enormous at 9lb 12 oz and I am presently panicing about the potential size of no 2, having no desire to have another section. I had not thought as far as 12 lb...

Its not surprising that babies are getting bigger as nutrition is so much better and with better care and earlier intervention both parties survive the birth, which might not have happened in years gone by. I wonder if anyone has taken this into account in all the debate about the rising C section rate?

My dd was also 9lb 12 and I was really worried about no 2 but he was 'only' 9lb3. When the midwife put him on my tummy I said 'he's small, isn't he?' and they all looked at me as if I was mental!

An update from my posting in December. I am now 12 weeks pg (although scan not for another 2 weeks) and have already had a discussion with a midwife re. my history. I have been told that I will have another scan at around 35 weeks and depending on the outcome options for childbirth will be discussed then. I was told that my consultant is pretty good in the sense that he wont do a section just for the sake of it. What, however, does induction involve, what are the risks etc? As this is my 2nd everyone seems to be leaving me to it and my midwife told me I didn't even need to attend all the ante-natal appts. if I was happy with my progress!

Just discovered this thread... DS1 was a bouncing 10lb 1oz with 37cm head. Long labour, star gazer baby, ventouse delivery with 3rd degree tear. My midwife asked me afterwards "where were you hiding that?!" Odd as I thought I was the size of a house

DS2 was scanned at 38 weeks and estimated at 7lb 14 oz. At my consultant appointment afterwards he was really rude, scrawled "short labour then c-section" and that was that. 2 days later, I had DS2 naturally ("elective" episiotomy when the tear started to go again) and he was 8lb 40z with a 35cm head. An infinitely easier birth.

Right from the start I'd been adamant that he had to arrive 2 weeks early to knock 2lbs off the birthweight. I even had this included in the hypnotherapy sessions I went for prior to the birth!

Tigerfeet..... what exactly are you worried about ?
As you will have heard I am sure... all pregnancies and labours are different....
Induction ? Well it's a bit early to worry about it... You have already had a labour (even if it ended in a c-section), your ueterus knows how to contract, your cervix will dilate faster.... potentially it could be easy and straight forward. You may not even have a big baby... How many weeks were you when you had your last baby ?

I kept having to have scans because they had an idea that my dates were wrong (ie baby seemed bigger than it should have been) and was breech for a while, also tested for diabetes but then they left it at that - no mentin of any potential issues.. Community midwife mentioned that "its a big one you've got" at 38 weeks and that was that. Nobody seemed concerned.

DS was 9lbs 10 oz (I'm 5' 4" so not that big - DH is only 5' 10" and like a rail)and he was born after 9.25 hours using Tens and gas and air. Hospital midwife said I'd done well to get him out. I had an episiotomy and dreadful bruising. The midwife said she couldn't check my stitches for days because I was so swollen she literally couldn't see them. Does all make me wonder for next time.....

A very interesting thread to me! My doctor told me at 40 weeks than my baby was no more than 8. I was huge (not a big frame) so after a three day labour and eventually a c-section I gave birth to a whopping 10 lb 1/2 oz baby. I was in shock because of my ordeal and am sure that it contributed to my PND. Since then I have found out that my grandmother (My dad's mum - who was 5 foot nothing) had huge 9 pounders, my aunt (my dad's sister) had huge babies - she had 3 c-sections when they used to cut downwards not across. Four weeks ago my sister had a 10 lb 1 and an half ounce bouncer!
Basically - my point is that next time I am NOT going through it again and WILL have a c-section - the agony is just not worth it and although I would love to be able to push my own baby out I know that I am just not built for it.

Pupuce, my worry comes from the fact that my ds suffered shoulder dystocia and ended up with nerve damage in his left arm resulting in Erb's Palsy (paralysis). He has recovered around 90-95% but I don't want history to repeat itself especially as the trend is for 2nd babies to be larger. I do agree though that it is too early to think about these things although I guess the more I know, hopefully, the less anxious I'll be.