Big baby birth stories

[Buttercup53]

I'm 31+4 and been having regular growth scans because my baby is above the 95th. I worked out my EFW is around 4.7lbs, and he obviously has quite a bit more growing to do! No other concerning signs, I don't have diabetes, he's very healthy looking, lots of movements, he's just a big lad (I'm 5'6'' and pre-pregnancy was around a size 10, so I'm not tiny but I'm not big, either, in case it makes a difference).

I know the weights are only estimated, but it is looking like I'm going to have a bigger than average baby, as both his abdomen and head are measuring on the large size.

I have an appointment soon with my midwife and my perinatal mental health midwife to write a birth plan, but my main aim is to ask all the questions I need answering to help me feel more confident about birth.

I was wondering if anyone who has given birth vaginally to a large baby could tell me of specific big baby issues I should bring up during the appointment? The main thing I'm concerned about are his shoulders getting stuck. But is there anything else to be aware of? Anything you wished you'd known before birthing a big baby?

I find being prepared and asking questions the best way to cope with my anxiety. Full disclosure, I've been hesitant to post on this board out of concern of making my anxiety worse, so while I don't want to say 'positive stories only', please be aware before you reply that I have a severe anxiety disorder, and very graphic birth stories make it worse! However, I also post knowing that I'm not going to sneeze the baby out...

My DS was 'only' 9lb 8oz but he was back to back and his head circumference was on the 95th centile so it could have been a difficult birth, however I managed to have a water birth and it was absolutely fine (no tearing).
I found hypnobirthing really helpful with both my pregnancies - I used to be terrified of giving birth but hypnobirthing classes completely removed any anxiety.
It really helped me to relax during both labours and I genuinely didn't need any pain relief (not even gas & air). I would really recommend it.
Also have a look at:
Tellmeagoodbirthstory.com
Positivebirthmovement.org

They both have positive stories which help to balance out the screaming horror shows you see on tv.
And don't watch One Born Every Minute - they only show the dramatic ones as they make better tv.

Good luck - you'll be fine

Ps have a look at the AIMS book about Induction - it gives you all the facts so you can make a balanced decision.
I resisted Induction with both of mine but the medical professionals are very pro Induction.
Make sure you have all the facts so you have the confidence to refuse if that's what you want.

I woke in the night with my 9lb 9.5er pushing.

Rushed to hospital and gave birth in assessment room. As I was pushing they got my dh to push the alarm. They did think he'd be a shoulder dystocia from the size of his head they could tell he was big. However I managed to birth him myself and other than a big graze the mw was gobsmacked I didn't tear. He defo took a lot more effort to push out than my middle daughter at 8lbs but was easier than my 6lber first child.

I had a very bad experience with my huge baby (4.6kg) BUT it was due to baby attempting (and managing) to come out hand first. So I think I was unlucky. Hope that helps.

My largest was #2 (first was small) at 10lb6oz I am 5' with tiny size 6-8 hips. I was induced but still delivered without assistance no tears or stitches....

I measured a couple of weeks behind, had a huge placenta and loads of fluid too - I was huge to look at!

My second was 3 pounds more than 1st and I am a very petit person.
No to scare you but it was one scary traumatic experience for me and my partner resulted in many birth injuries with baby needing extra manuvering due to SD. I had csection with my following pregnancy and just recently had a repair surgery for one of my birth injuries. Let me tell you, my csection was a walk in a park compare to what I just went through. If I could go back in time I would of insisted on either earlier intervention or csection. With that said some women birth large babies easily with no complications.

I think it can be easier because they are stronger. Mine were 8lbs7, 9lbs10 and 9lbs7. I had the three of them in 3 years. Delivered in 18 hours, 2 hours and 13 minutes.

DD was measuring 90th centile the whole pregnancy. I had a scan at 31 weeks and was told DD was big and estimated weight was 4lbs 4oz already! DD popped out at 38+2 weighing 6lbs 7oz so not big at all!

DS born 11 weeks ago 10lb 11.

First baby, they'd estimated 10lb at so weeks and he came along at 41+4, so they were quite spot on with that.

Ended up with episotomy and forceps after 90 minutes of pushing wasn't budging him. I'd been terrified of having an assisted birth, but it was really fine in the end, and recovery was fine too.

I was so surprised when they put him on my chest at how big he was. He's still in th 92nd percentile and doing great.

Good luck, it will be difficult but manageable I'm sure!