Big head at 30 weeks = increased risk of intervention/pelvic floor trauma?

[ALS17081982]

Hi everyone,

I've just had a growth scan at exactly 30 weeks and my baby is measuring big! The results were:

HC - 299
AC - 275.3
FL - 57.2
HC/AC - 1.09
EFW - 1,746g

I think the head circumference is around the 90% centile and I'm worried this alone could independently increase the risk of intervention during birth and pelvic floor trauma. Has anyone got experience with similar measurements?

Thanks

Hi OP, DC1 had a similarly large head and I had a ventouse delivery in the end, however birth of DC2 was extremely quick and easy after DC1 paved the way!

I was told by a midwife however that the weight of a large head can help baby move down quicker so doesn't necesarily mean more difficulty.
is this your first ?

Hi, yes it's my first , had a bit of a scare to hear the baby's head is measuring several weeks ahead already!

How did you find ventouse?

I was advised to have an epidural by the Dr as they knew they'd need to intervene so couldn't feel a thing and baby and myself had absolutely no complictaions so I was very happy with ventouse delivery. I was just pleased to get baby out!

I don't think the head size had too much to do with the need for intervention though, I think it was because I was rushed to labour ward as there was mekonium (sp?) in my waters and i the shock of that stopped my contractions and slowed everything down.

I would try not to focus on babies head size too much as not sure how much of a difference it makes, I listened to a Hypnoborthing cd ahead of DC2, which really helped alleviate anxiety and I had a really great birth this time so would advise listening to one of those if you are worried.

also if it's any consolation DC1 is extremely brainy!!!

Throughout pregnancy had a 'neat' bump with dc2, measured just right at lower end of normal so no scans after 20 weeks. Didn't engage until after waters went, then (very) fast labour, easy birth, no stitches, head on 98% centile (rest of baby matched and still does age 7). I wouldn't worry so long as baby is all in proportion, If drs think too big they'll refer you for glucose monitoring in case of diabetes. At least 10% of babies have to be over the 90th centile.

There is some evidence to show that a head circumference >35cms is associated with a greater risk of tearing of the pelvic floor muscles. If you have other risk factors (how old are you?) I would be considering my options. My daughters head was a hair over 35cms and I’ve suffered fairly significant pelvic floor damage. My consultant said for some women their muscles reach a point of ‘catastrophic failure’ and just tear, which is what mine did (which is different to a perenium tear). A lot of women (my own sister, who had bigger babies than I) have no problems at all, but you should be made aware of the risks of a vaginal birth as it’s something I’d never heard of until it happened to me.

Hi berries, the baby is due around my 31st birthday. I am concerned about the head size - 299mm at 30 weeks but I've been told I may not have another growth scan so I'm not sure how close I will get to 350mm. I've heard growth scans can be inaccurate but that head circumference is the most accurate.

Was your daughters birth very painful? Do you know if your pelvic floor will be able to fully recover? Sorry that you've had to go through that!

DD had a 99th centile sized head and was successfully delivered at home with just gas and air, no tear (although it really fucking hurt).

DC2 is measuring a similarly sized head but I'm not overly worried.

It's amazing what you can push out of a rather small hole!!