BIGGER BABY BIRTH

[sophieblackxo]

I am 36+5 weeks pregnant I have gestational diabetes and my baby is measuring 7lbs7oz today. I was given the option of both natural and c section. I know with the risk of a bigger baby with GD can make the birth complications higher ie shoulder dystocia and needing an emergency section anyway. I am quite sad about not experiencing Labour and I know that the recovery is harder for a section but the thing I want is my baby here the safest way possible so I am leaning towards c section ( I wouldn’t do this if the risks outweighed the benefits) what’s your opinions on this would just like validation for my choices :)

If your choice is between an elective c section or an induction then I would pick the c section. If they are prepared to wait for a natural birth without an induction I would pick that. Recovery from a c section isn't that bad as long as you keep taking your painkillers on time. Good luck with whatever you decide.

I haven't had a c section but have had 2 inductions with natural births. Personally I would take an induction with a natural birth over a c section. Both my babies were over 9lbs.

Both times I bounced straight back. My SIL had a section but the recovery was harder (for obvious reasons). She had to listen to her baby crying and not being able to get up and get them, waiting ages for nurses to come help etc. She really struggled with that aspect. So I'd also consider that in your decision, if your partner isn't allowed to stay etc.

My baby was 10lb. Shoulder dystocia wasn’t my main worry. The doctors said if my baby got stuck the main concern would be oxygen deprivation leading to cerebral palsy or mental disability. For that reason I chose a c section as the risk to my baby was lower.

Bless you that's a tough decision. My 3 were vaginal and the last one was 9lbs 5. All I'd say is if you need interventions like forceps (more likely if big and your first child) then a C section might be better. As someone said to me it's still stitches, just a few inches lower. Friends with big babies vaginally have needed physio afterwards and I eventually had surgery as I developed large cysts on my episiotomy scar (sorry TMI). I'm 49 now and although I gave their birth plans much thought at the time once they've arrived honestly all I cared about was that they were okay. Lots of pressure on women to do it "naturally" but if you want a C section that's exactly what you should do. Good luck whichever you choose xx

Hi, just posting my story for info. I also had GD but baby wasn't big when born (7lb 8). I went in for induction but only a day early as I was so against it but it was their advice. I was already in labour after having a couple of sweeps so was pleased about this.

My labour was quite traumatic and I'm considering a planned c section for my second (currently 10 weeks pregnant). My DS got very stuck and was twisted. His heart rate kept dropping during labour, I felt no one was listening when I was saying something was wrong and it was awful. Eventually I saw a consultant who found out what was wrong and she was trying to turn him which was agonising without pain relief. Ended in theatre with forceps, episiotomy (plus tear) and in the end shoulder dystocia which was an emergency and panic button with room flooded with people. I never thought it would happen to me and I'm terrified of the next birth. Thankfully he was fine and I truly hope you have a wonderful experience with birth.

Just sharing because I never thought this would happen and thought all the talk of shoulder dystocia was scare mongering to try to get me to go in for induction earlier. I've seen someone say recently ' you can tell the size of the field but not the gate' and this resonated. They think my pelvic structure was the issue so it can happen even without a big baby. I hope this doesn't worry you but feel my story is relevant and may help with your decision making and plans. Good luck

It sounds reasonable. But how would you feel if baby wasnt that big (they can be very very wrong) would you be upset or fine with it?
As you said it would be a case of weighing up benefits and if they outweigh the potential risks either way.

My last baby was 10lbs 10oz and I went for an elective. 20+ years later I have no bladder or bowel problems and I feel bad for mums who do.