Birthing a big baby

[Bee4S]

Hi, I'm currently 32 + 2 and had a growth scan today due to mismatched fundal measurements between the consultant and the midwife. They have advised that the baby's head and abdominal circumference measure above the 97th centile. The consultant started talking about possible birth complications due to the baby's size and the possibility of a C-section. They plan to scan again in 3 weeks when I have my next consultant appointment but I was just wondering if anyone has experience with birthing a big baby naturally or advice about what to specifically ask about during the next consultant appointment. I do not want to have a C-section if it can be helped but the thought of complications whilst attempting to birth naturally is scary...
Sorry for the long post!

I know that the plural of anecdote isn't data. But my second child had a head off the centile scale. They literally couldn't mark it because it would have been above the top of the page. (My head in 62 cm which is massive so it wasn't unexpected).

I had him on my living room floor. Three pushes and, after much debate from the midwives whether I actually needed one or not, I had one stitch put in.

I'm 5'9" though so not small.

My child was the same a very large head i tried so hard naturally and i got stuck at 4cm and it was so painful they refused any meds for me. Because I was only 4cm. I was in labour for 36 hours like this, in the end it was a CSection. I really didnt want to be cut or have foreceps.

They will let you try but you should prepare for a csection. Planned would be better than an emergency one

Same as Pickle really. Huge baby, but proportionate to my size. Natural birth was fine. Best of luck whatever you choose.

I, and quite a few friends and my midwife (!), have found Epi-no really helpful in the weeks leading up to birth. It's a balloon device that does a similar thing to perineal massage but makes it a lot easier. Some of the babies are pretty big and none of us even teared. The Epi-no is German-made and quite well known outside of the UK.

few things... scans can get it wrong size wise especially near end. it also depends on your build and just how big baby is.
I was warned that my 2nd baby was large. 1st was over 9lb but late... scan at 35 weeks was suggesting very big especially if went well over like first... think was looking at 11-12 lb dependent on how far over.... the first doctor I saw was pushing for c section. I went in to see more senior consultant armed with blurb about wanting to try natural birth... even if meant being induced at term..... she was happy to wait and see

none of it happened as went into labour spontaneously at 38 weeks delivering a baby just shy of 10lb & big head a few hours later- stood up -gravity helps big babies I think...

good luck!

3 big babies (9lb 3-10lb 9) and natural deliveries. I’m 5ft 4.

Thanks ladies! Definitely feeling more reassured. Perhaps a bit of research is in order before my next consultant appointment to have a meaningful discussion about different delivery options and make an informed decision.

@thethirdbiscuiteer I have heard of perineul massage and have been meaning to start that in the next few weeks but have never heard of the Epi-no. Does it cause any discomfort to use?

I had a 10lb 1oz baby and a 9lb baby naturally with no issues. Please try not to let it worry you.

No more so than perineal massage. You put the balloon in (using lots of lube) and then gently inflate, increasing the amount you inflate each day, and then pass it out slowly. It's not super pleasant, but is not painful either. I'd much rather this discomfort for a couple of weeks before birth, than tearing or episiotomy!

It's this - epi-no.co.uk/

Mine was 10lbs 2, they didn’t notice until 3 days in to labour. I had an ECS and got lots of apologies on the needless pain I went through/people thinking I was making it up.

DS was 10lb, somewhat unexpectedly. I'd had growth scans which suggested he'd be 8-9lb at term, which no-one seemed too worried about. Then I went to 42 weeks and he came out giant! Fairly straightforward delivery, but I'm 5'9 with wide hips, so this might not be true for everyone.

My second was 10lb 3. He had a super large head. It was fine. He was out in four hours from first twinge. Not gonna lie - eyes waterered somewhat! No pain relief though other than gas/air.

I had a 10lb 1oz baby who from the growth scans was estimated to be 8/9lbs at birth. My last growth scan was at 36w where his abdominal circumference was measuring 41w and on the 98th centile. No risks at all were mentioned to me, I asked was this likely to cause any problems and was told no, your body wouldn't produce a baby it couldn't birth etc etc. In fact I remember the sonographer even laughing at me when I asked. We suffered shoulder dystocia which resulted in my baby being born not breathing and spending 9 days in NICU. Obviously baby was born bigger than they originally estimated so I would be nervous about this possibility if I was in your shoes. I hope everything goes smoothly.

@itallhappensforareason thank you for your reply. This is something that the consultant at the day assessment unit mentioned when we saw her after having the scan. Of course all we can do at the moment is monitor the situation and make an informed decision when the time comes but currently baby is breech as well so it may all be taken out of our hands. It's all food for thought though.

My DD was 11lb 1. They had said the same at her growth scans but it was fine. Vaginal birth with a few stitches afterwards.

Wishing you well and a safe delivery, OP.

Firstborn was 9lb 4oz and right on time, Secondborn was induced 2 weeks early at 10lb. Both delivered normally on gas and air.
There may have been a bit of grumbling and yelling on my part, but I know load of mums who had far worse deliveries of average babies.
I'm about 5ft 7in and a size 12.

Secondborn is now a good 6ft 4in and built like the proverbial brick out-house, btw

My 2nd was predicting big and my first was quite small so I was induced at 38 weeks. Needed a ventouse for 8lb baby (big head though). I saw the consultant at 38 +1 with don't let me go overdue as my aim given size. Was induced next day although I suspect large abdomen was at least partially squished long baby...

If your consultant is offering you a c-section then please seriously consider it. Large head circumference is associated with a much higher risk of pelvic floor trauma (the kind that can't be surgically repaired) so please do consider the risks of both.