Induction with big baby

[catobe]

Hello! Normally a lurker but could do with some moral support.

This is my first baby and I'm due to be induced 40+1 - reasons being, the baby is quite big!

The last growth scan I had at 37 weeks showed the baby was estimated 9lbs 4oz.

I instantly thought that meant c section with me having weeks to go! But no, hospital very much pushing me to do it naturally and don't feel like I have any choice.

I don't have Gd, I think my hips are quite big, but apart from that I'm about a size 14 and 5ft 1.

I'm just a bit anxious of getting this baby out and fear that even though I feel pushed to do it naturally, my gut is saying "c section"! However, not sure if that's my gut of fear talking!

Anyways, I've googled the crap out of it, I'm actually terrified of the usual things, head stuck (apparently baby has big head), shoulder dystocia, episiotomy's!

Any kind, realistic words would be appreciated - feel like I'm preparing for doom on Tuesday, like I'm not going to get this baby out safely and it's really scary.

I've had two big babies (9lbs 5 and 10lbs 2) and was told both were very average sized up until they were born (although I didn't believe them the second time around!!)

Both were fairly straightforward births, both second degree tears which have healed fine and are no worse than a lot of my friends who has smaller babies. DS2 (the 10lbs+ one) had shoulder dystocia - the midwives were very quick to do a McRoberts manoeuvre (I think that's what it's called) which hurt like buggery but was just one contraction before he slid out. I didn't even really know anything was wrong until I saw the midwife at our 3 day check and she seemed really concerned about it!

I think I do have a mild prolapse and was very upset about it at first but over the last 6 months it's become less and less of an issue and I have no continence issues at all. I think the position of the baby is much more important than their size, our bodies were created to get them out after all!!

Best of luck whatever happens but do try not to worry, big babies are lovely and seem more robust as newborns too which is nice and reassuring!

I thought I would update this since!

I had my baby on the Wednesday after being induced on the Tuesday.

However, the induction failed and we ended up with a c-section as the consultant felt the baby was too big for me.

He was born an hour after that decision weighing a healthy 9lbs 10oz.

I'm sure if he and my body were ready we may have done it naturally but the c-section felt right for us.

Oh, I'll add the reason why it failed if it helps future readers.

My baby's head wouldn't work its way down, because be was too big. The surgeons even said when they went in to get him he was all over the place, he meant that he wasn't in a great position.

Initially the pessary got me to 1 or 2cm (different midwife opinions). It made me lose my mucus plus and was having very early back ache style contractions.

When I went to the delivery room, after 24 hours I stalled on 4cm.

This is when the consultant made the call to c-section as he believed the baby's head would not work its way down.

C-section was actually a very positive experience, albeit painful recovery.

Congratulations!!!

You feel like you've been hit by a truck at first but I was much improved a week or two in. Take it easy - when I overdid it I started bleeding so rest all you can. Enjoy the lovely newborn stage :)

Congratulations! Glad you nd your baby are safe and well

I had a very similar experience with my first baby (10 lbs) and if it makes any difference, I'm almost a foot taller than you .

Congratulations

Congratulations