Inducing at 37w? Help!

[Hey8]

Long story short, first baby was ELCS as he was breech, he was born 9lb 3oz too! So rather big considering he was 4 days early

I really would like a VBAC with DD due in October but I am nervous as they say babies get bigger and if I wait to go into labour I could go 2 weeks over and who knows what weight the baby would be then!!

If I asked for a VBAC and got induced at 37 weeks would DD be smaller ? And perhaps easier to deliver? Anyone been in this situation please I do want a VBAC but nervous as it seems I grow big babies aha!

Big babies aren’t necessarily harder to deliver. Being induced early for your own benefit isn’t always right for your baby.

I wouldn’t have an induction unless there’s a specific medical need to get the baby out early.

Inductions are completely different to going into labour naturally. Your body isn’t ready. The induction drugs attempt to simulate the process and force your body to give birth, but it’s not the same as your body producing all the hormones etc itself at it’s own pace. All the unique chemical processes that the body does naturally haven’t been fully discovered yet - the induction drugs are a synthetic attempt to replicate it, but it’s not the same.

With an induction you’re more likely to need interventions (forceps etc) or end up needing an emergency c section. It can be a very long and tiring process.

At least if you go into labour naturally the baby will have got into its position and your body will be ready, everything will have loosened up etc in its own time. Size isn’t the defining factor, position of the baby etc plays a big part in how easily it comes out.

Just re-read your OP. Girls are statistically slightly smaller, so she may not be bigger than your DS.

This is a good website to look at the risks of induction and the risks of having a big baby.

evidencebasedbirth.com

There’s limited stuff they can do for an induction if you’re a vbac. Guidelines say to avoid pessary and syntocinon. So it’s more a case of break your waters and see. Though some consultants will agree to a low dose of synt. I agree though avoid an induction unless necessary. The evidence also doesn’t support induction for a large baby.

I was induced at 37.5 weeks due to not being able to feel my DS throughout my pregnancy. The doctors felt they wanted him out, as I couldn't feel him and didn't know if he was safe and I was very stressed out.

But I had to have chats about all the risks that come with getting induced early, it's not good for the baby and increases the risks of complications and the need for interventions. The doctors weighed up and thought it was safer for my baby to be out rather than in.

I would say it's mainly about head size, not weight of the baby. Also me and my friend had babies that weighed the exact same, I pushed him out in 20mins and it took her 4 hours. Just let it happen naturally as why put any risk on your baby.

My second was a pound smaller. I have a home VBAC the second time round too.

Induction for a "big baby" is actually not recommended by NICE (if that is the only reason).

The "risk" with a big baby is that the shoulders get stuck. But induction also increases the risk of the shoulders getting stuck so have a look at all the evidence to make your decision.

They won't induce you for a big baby. It's all speculation anyway based on scans

I was high risk on 3 counts. Couldn't have a natural birth in essence, my girl was tracking 9lb at least. My son (I didnt carry him but same genetics was born at 40 weeks & 9lbs) yet they still steadfastly said my planned c section had to be over 39 weeks

She decided to make an appearance at 36+6 and though fully dilated I was rushed to emergency section. She was born at 7lb 5. She found it very hard to feed though & lost nearly 15% of weight in 2 weeks despite me being told she was latching & no tongue tie the premature nature made her so tired to feed. I was "done" with pregnancy & hoping they moved the c section forward but now understand why they don't.

It made it very difficult, so I'd say just leave it and see how it goes, good luck!