Meet the Other Phone. Only the apps you allow.

Meet the Other Phone.
Only the apps you allow.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Childbirth

Share experiences and get support around labour, birth and recovery.

Possible induction at 39w due to large baby

9 replies

ohpoowhatnow · 29/11/2024 18:30

Second baby due soon... growth scans have shown baby on 90th centile much like my first who was a big baby. Doctors are suggesting an induction at 39w, leaning towards saying yes as I don't want another instrumental delivery with an even bigger baby. Has anyone any experience ?

OP posts:
KoalaCalledKevin · 29/11/2024 18:45

I don't have any experience with a bigger baby but I was induced with DD2 at 37 weeks and it wasn't any worse than my spontaneous delivery with DD1. I just needed a dose of the internal gel, it was quicker overall, I'd say pain about the same, it was basically fine.

Obviously inductions are very varied and you do read a lot of horrible experiences so nothing is guaranteed. Just thought I'd give my experience.

ohpoowhatnow · 29/11/2024 19:34

Thank you that's so helpful, I've read such horror stories so it's good to hear one that's not. I've also heard that having induction for a 2nd/3rd birth is much better than for your first.

OP posts:
Trumpetoftheswan2 · 29/11/2024 19:54

I've had three inductions, which all went smoothly. Your chances of a straightforward experience are good as you've already vaginally delivered a baby.

Congratulations and hope that it goes well.

SockQueen · 29/11/2024 21:10

I was induced at 39 weeks with DS2 as he was measuring big - DS1 had been 10lb at 42 weeks (induced for him too) so I definitely didn't want to go that far over!

It was fine. Induction took a bit longer to get going than it had the first time, as I think my body wasn't quite as ready, but once it got cracking, the actual delivery was straightforward. He was 9lb12, so very glad he didn't go much later!

ohpoowhatnow · 30/11/2024 12:39

Oh that's great to hear ! Thanks both for sharing

OP posts:
kc92 · 30/11/2024 15:51

Congrats on your upcoming arrival! 🎉👶🏻 I was induced on my first (9lbs 8oz) and had an instrumental delivery. I made the informed decision to decline induction for my second (10lbs 6 oz), as I felt it was the induction that led to the need for assistance, rather than the size of my baby.

I found the bigger baby easier to birth actually! Long labour, but once the pushing stage started he flew out. I did decline pain relief besides gas and air, and any other interventions, as I knew intervention risks were higher with a bigger baby.

I think regardless of induction or spontaneous birth, the second baby is usually easier irregardless of size.

I did find it helpful to inform my decision to ask for the risks of waiting vs going forward, and my hospital's specific rate of inductions leading to emergency c-sections. I also asked what centile his head diameter was on (ended up being 99th too!) as a lot of the time long legs up the weight calculation the sonographers use. I checked the centile of his head, abdomen and legs - all large but his head was the largest. I was confident if I could get the head out, the rest would follow.

Plus I asked for my bishop score. I think the reasoning is the higher the score, the more likely induction will take as your body is readier.

I also felt confident waiting because my mum had giant babies just fine, and quite honestly I didn't think my second would be as large as he was. My bump was smaller second time around so big surprise for me!

Best of luck with your decision, either way it's an exciting time!

BruFord · 30/11/2024 16:01

DS was induced at 39 weeks as DD was 9lb 10oz and like you, I had a rough delivering her (hemorrhaged) and had to stay in hospital for extra time as I was poorly.

I was induced with a drip and he was delivered in under three hours. It was so much easier and I don’t need any stitches. I was soon up and we went home the next day.

Not all inductions go so smoothly though and tbh, having heard some stories on MN about them dragging on for hours, I’d recommend asking for a drip. The contractions are intense but it’s over quickly. Congratulations on your imminent new addition! 🎉

ohpoowhatnow · 01/12/2024 20:02

Thank you both for the replies! You've given me food for thought .... I think I'll wait to see how my next growth scan goes and then go from there.

OP posts:
Elisabeth3468 · 02/01/2025 21:38

What did you do in the end op? @ohpoowhatnow

New posts on this thread. Refresh page
Swipe left for the next trending thread