Big Baby outcome

[Jojo1123]

Hi, firstly thank you for reading through this.

For context I'm 33 weeks pregnant, with a high BMI and expected to have a 'big baby'. I've been tested for GD and I haven't got it.

Baby was measuring 4lbs on my 28th week growth scan & 6lbs on my 32nd week growth scan.

I have another scan on the 36th and I guess what I'm asking is, if you have been in this situation before what were you offered?

I've already been given leaflets on c sections but I'd really like to avoid one.

If you were offered an induction or c section, when was it offered for you to go through with it?

Hi OP, my baby girl measured HUGE from basically my 20 week scan, after 20 week scan they believed I had GD and tested me for it but all came back fine, she consistently measured big and I was tested twice more for GD as they said she was measuring off the charts big. I was told about inductions & c sections, I had growth scans which all said to expect her to be 10lb+. I spoke to my midwife about it all in detail and had an appointment with a consultant who went over it all with me and in the end ended up having an induction (mainly because I had recurrent reduced movements from week 38 but baby’s size was also a factor), she was born 1 day before my due date at 7lb 14, so not big at all!

DD1 was unexpectedly large (9lb 12 at 40 weeks, and I'm petite!), vaginal birth. I did have a fairly serious tear (probably made worse by a situation with her cord, rather than being primarily about her size), but recovered quickly and well.

Growth scans and GD test (negative) with DD2 because of the surprise size of DD1. She measured as between 25th-50th centile on my personalised chart, so definitely not large, but I was still offered a c-section or induction from 39 weeks if I wanted them on the basis of my previous tear and that DD1 hadn't measured as large either. I didn't really want c-section or induction, but equally didn't want another serious tear, so hedged my bets a bit with a plan for a sweep or two in my 39th week and then induction 40 weeks. DD2 preempted all of that, arrived at 39 weeks, 8lb 11. I had a minor tear, but nothing serious.

However, both mine were long and (for a newborn) strong, rather than chubby – and it's not the legs that are the tricky bit.

I had two GD pregnancies, both born following induction (9lb and 9lb1) no problems with delivery and a straightforward process, I had one at 40+1 and one at 41+1. I don’t have a high BMI and although not massive they were very long

I had gestational diabetes and was induced at 39 weeks because my son was measuring big. I wanted to go into labour naturally but I wouldn’t even say I was ‘offered’ an induction. I was told I was having one and was too scared to argue with them. The induction was a horrible experience. I had strong contractions for 12+ hours with absolutely no breaks between them. And then tearing and an episiotomy. It was honestly like being tortured. Then my son was born 7lb 4 ounces, completely average and not even slightly big. I wouldn’t really say I regret it because my son was born healthy which is the important thing, but I also don’t feel that it was necessary at all.

My friend had a very large baby and had an awful first birth so had a planned c-section the next time and said she had zero regrets and that it was 100% better for her than the first birth. That said I have another friend who vaginally delivered two 10lb babies with no issues.

My little boy measured big and I did have GD. I was a tiny size 8 and the way they were talking I was about to part with a fully grown adult. I was offered an induction accepted. He was born at 37 weeks weighing 9lb 10oz

Sweeps ar 38 and 39 weeks. Induced at 39+5.
Born 39+6, 10lb 12oz. Labour, birth and recovery was easier that Mt previous 9 pounder.

I had a big baby for my first, 9lbs 8oz. Also high BMI without GD. I waited until 41 weeks for an induction to see if he'd come beforehand then caved to the pressure. In hindsight I wish I hadn't, as I found the induction meds quite tough & think I could have delivered him naturally. He delivered easily though with an episiotomy & ventouse cup as he was in distress from the induction & needed to come out asap.

At your next scan I'd ask for what the measurements are of his tummy - I was told that this is the only measurement mom's diet can impact. Everything else is genetics and your body won't grow a baby you can't birth if all is well otherwise. Watching what you eat for the next few weeks definitely can't hurt though, and will help with recovery after.

I'd also focus on positioning work - it makes a big difference especially for big babies! Spinning babies website has great resources for getting baby into the right position.

My DD was born at 43w (I declined an induction) weighing 10lb 11oz. Labour ended up in a C-section due to failure to progress/back-to-back/infection/consultant pointed out that she was going to be big (nobody had flagged it before). We actually asked at our 42w ultrasound how big she was (out of curiosity) and we were told that it could be 40% out either way so no point.

I was somewhat expecting a larger baby as both my parents were over 10lb.

Whilst we ended up having a C section, she’s always been perfectly healthy. Immediately took to BF, zero illnesses and the health visitor left us alone after the first visit.

What I’d do differently next time I’d eat better and move more. I’ve always been a size 10, but during pregnancy I could not stop eating ice cream etc and I gained loads of weight. I basically went wild with the cravings and lived on the sofa. Neither of those things are good for labour.

@SoddingSoda - were you happy to wait until 43 weeks? Was there no pressure to give birth earlier? Were you worried?

@outdamnedspots I would have preferred to go into labour before naturally but I don’t regret not being induced. Being induced can be the start of a cascade of interventions. It’s far from being risk free and at that point I was low risk.

At my 42w appointment I was told that I had to be induced/wasn’t allowed to go over - I requested scans/obs before I made my decision.

There was a bit of flapping, I remember a student midwife asking another midwife ‘I didn’t think they were allowed to go over’ and the midwife hushed her with ‘her body her choice’. Apparently we were mentioned in the morning meetings a few times and my midwife was asked if we were barristers as apparently they have a reputation for questioning medical advice.

I think I’ll always remember the consultant sitting that the end of my bed and starting the meeting with ‘As you’re 42w today you will be induced today…’ If I wasn’t aware that you don’t have to blindly follow ‘advice’ I would have thought I was under arrest/social services would be called.

Well done for doing your research and sticking to what you wanted, @SoddingSoda .

My GD tests kept coming back inconclusive, so there was a question about whether I had GD despite all my home testing glucose levels being within range no matter what I ate, but it still had to be on my records. So I had growth scans, baby was initially measured small but then apparently large. I was booked for an induction at 40+2 as by then I'd be overdue but I said I would rather avoid it and especially at only 40+2, as it turns out my waters broke at 39+3 but contractions didn't start and I had group b strep so I was induced with the drip, baby still supposed to be big but was 7lb 11
I did struggle with the drip as I had no break in-between contractions and very slow progression, but then things happened quickly and a very fast pushing phase she was born with a very good recovery, minimal internal tearing
There was talk of a c section due to no progression and time since my waters broke but I was scared of the recovery so I'd still say it was a positive first birth

I have had 6 children, it is only my youngest who was big 9lbs 8 and a week early.

I was 2ft when my mum had me, luckily a c section as very long

I would have been afraid I would have lived to regret that.

It's been a long time, but I was induced with my first. I didn't have a choice because the placenta was nearly gone. Three attempts at induction didn't work. I never went into labour, so I went straight to c-section. It was fine. Baby was 8lbs 7 and my obs said I'd never have delivered naturally because I have a small pelvis.

My subsequent two were even bigger, with the third being a full lb heavier.

Having a healthy baby was always my priority, never mind the manner of the birth. Mine were all 38+4.

My baby was measuring really big and I'm very petite (5'3 size 8 with narrow hips) I had an elective c section (not wholly because of that but it was factored in) he was born at 38 weeks and was 9lbs 4. He looked about 3 months old when he came out 🤣 so strong too and is now. He can actually push me off my feet at just 3 years old if he runs at me hard when he's playing. No GD, I was tested twice during pregnancy for it. I did suddenly develop pre eclampsia 3 days after he was born though and had to go into hospital for 2 nights and on medication for 4 months.

Every single woman I have ever known to spend her pregnancy worried because of the absolutely massive baby she has been warned about has gone on to give birth to a perfectly normal, large baby.

Can a midwife weigh in and explain why Massive Baby Warnings are so prevalent and over-diagnosed?

I've decided that we don't actually have the technology to know how big a baby is and they're doing a best guess based on what we have, and erring on the side of caution in case it's a biggun.

I had regular growth scans as my DS was measuring as being big, and I am only 5ft. He was only actually 8lb 4oz (born at 40 weeks) but I should mention he had a shoulder dystocia.

I had a planned c section, baby was 11lbs 1oz. I wasn’t informed of other options and the c section lead to other complications (for myself not baby), I wish I was more informed but at the time just wanted to get baby out. Thankfully all is now fine.

Do be mindful that they can get these things very wrong. They thought dd was going to be a large baby throughout my pregnancy and estimated her size as 9lb 12oz at my 36 week scan. She was actually 6lb 5oz when she was born.

Would recommend having a look at Dr Sara Wickhams website (search Dr Sara Wickham big babies) and also Rachel Reed's blog Midwife Thinking. Lots of information on "big babies".

The scans can be really out. I had a growth scan at 37 weeks showing baby on 25th centile. Lots of others showing between 25th and 50th. The baby I birthed at 41 weeks was over 9lb and 80th centile to the surprise of everyone!

I had an EMCS as he got himself stuck with bad positioning, but his size didn't pose any issues.

DC2 was measuring big and I had a couple
of extra scans. At my 38 week scan we had a chat and they said they would recommend induction or c-section before 40 weeks.

I mulled it over with DH and decided on a c-section. I was offered induction twice more when I went in for a couple of extra checks but I knew in my heart what I wanted and they were very respectful and the doctors / surgeons supported my decision with no questions asked.

I did consent to a sweep at 38 weeks on the off chance it kickstarted something but with no luck and DC2 was born at 39+4 via ELCS. I have zero regrets.

What would say is that the ball really is in your court usually unless they have a very strong opinion for medical reasons (like GD or otherwise). I would say a sweep is a good place to start and see how you feel. I always think we know in our hearts what we want in these circumstances so do listen to your intuition.

My DC2 was indeed big, pretty much 10lb at 39+4. His dad and I are both tall and he’s likely going to be massive when he’s an adult 😂

Just to add that my DC1 arrived on the dot of 42 weeks. They were nowhere near as big but because I’d had a smooth pregnancy and no additional scans they did not realise what a bad position baby was in and it was a bit scary getting baby out. DC1 was 8lb 10oz. I’m always glad I didn’t do an induction though, although I would always fight your corner if you think an extra scan is necessary.

Shoulder dystocia with a 9lb 6oz baby. I would 100% advise anyone to go for a C section than risk going through what me and my daughter did.