Please help, very anxious re big baby!

[Purpledahlia88]

Hi all

I'm currently 36 weeks pregnant and have been having growth scans throughout pregnancy due to thyroid problems and concerns baby wouldn't be growing enough.

He was growing at expected rate throughout up until about 32 weeks when he has suddenly jumped to off the chart levels in size. My last scan at 35 weeks, his estimated weight was nearly 8lb.

I already have one DC who weight 8lb4 at 2 weeks overdue and the birth was horrific for me (no particular issues just I don't deal well with pain) so I'm very very worried as the sonographer told me that at this stage they gain on average of a pound a week so he will be huge if he comes on time let alone late. She said she doubted they would let me go overdue (just chatting not like proper medical advise), my midwife said the same.

I saw the consultant after my scan and she said there is no issue, he is just big and to deal with it basically, she will see me at 38 weeks and if cervix is favourable she will consider induction but not to get my hopes up. Honestly I find this unacceptable, I had sever anxiety about the birth before all this and now I'm crying most days, I have my other son to look after plus still working and I just can't cope.

She also said "it's an estimate" which I understand but he has followed the same point on the line for the last three scans so I'm not sure how they can be the exact same level of inaccurate when carried out by three diff people.

So, sorry for the essay, but my question is, what are my rights here? When I see her at 38 weeks I really want to insist on induction at 38/39ish weeks as his head is measuring huge and I'm very worried about tearing. If she just laughs it off again and says "there is no problem!" What exactly can I say??

My dd was estimated at "just about hitting 6lb" the day before she was born. She was 7lb 5 oz.

See this is it, I'm very aware it could be inaccurate and he would be smaller but he also could be bigger. Not a risk I want to take.

People will be very quick to tell you growth scans are inaccurate OP and in their cases it was true but this is not always the case at all.

I'm in a really similar position to you and am meeting my consultant next week to discuss methods of delivery as I'm carrying a big baby too.

My experience of growth scans with my first was that they were really accurate. My son measured 7lb 7 at 35 weeks and arrived spontaneously the following week at 7lb 9 so I'm not going to risk giving birth to a massive baby based on anecdotal evidence.

I think you'll need to be firm with your consultant next week about what you want. Sorry I can't offer more help but I'm not decided on what I want to do either but don't let them fob you off by saying growth scans are always inaccurate. Good luck

The sonographer told me that women have been scanned and given birth THAT DAY and they have been way off with the weight estimates.
Cling on to that and if you have given birth before then you have experience behind you. Good luck x

Predictions can be really wrong. My youngest was supposed to be absolutely tiny, they were panicking about the placenta failing. I was induced and she was perfect size, with a healthy placenta.

My middle child was estimated at 9lb, he was nearly 12! And he really was the easiest birth by far, in terms of pushing time, pain, and recovery afterwards.

However it happens, best of luck and enjoy meeting your new baby 💐

My 3rd dc was supposedly big and she weighed a tiny 5lbs 4oz, making her my smallest. She was also the most painful which I put down to being induced.

My eldest DD was estimated to be 9lb but turned out to be 10lb 3oz. My youngest was supposed to be well over 10lb but ended up as a 'mere' 9lb 10oz. Once the head was out for both, the rest was easy. I don't think they can accurately give a birth weight. Maybe have a chat with your consultant for some reassurance and a plan for any extra surprises. Best of luck.

@Purple you are right that of course the inaccuracy can work both ways. From what it says, your consultant has treated you appallingly when you have raised epidural and section.

Mine all weighed heavy..all long skinny rabbits..11lb...not a very large head,just all legs and arms..4 pushes and out...where as my first,7lbs..utterly horrendous...it won't help getting yourself all upset and stressed out.you must stay calm. X