BIG baby...

[nybom]

my first son was an average 3.4kg though with a big head (37cm). labour progressed slow and i needed a drip because my contractions weren't strong enough, but i didn't tear or anything...

THIS baby was already 3.4.kg heavy (first son's birthweight!) when i was only 35 weeks pregnant (head 35cm). it is expected to weigh at least 4.5 kg at birth. i was ensured by midwives, scan ladies etc. that the dr. in charge won't let it "get out of control" and will monitor me closely, however this is not the case. he thinks everything is normal ("second babies tend to be 150 gramms heavier" - yeah but not 1,5 kgs!), i now don't have any more appointments with him or any more scans or tests.

i'm a bit worried, i'm a "slender little thing", size 8... and that baby IS large... am i worrying too much or should i insist on more antenatal care? i mean, the baby IS macrosomic, shouldn't they do SOMETHING? i i don't even have a regular midwife...

nicky

Only thing I can think to say is that predicting babies' weights is notoriously difficult and unreliable. My ds was estimated at 8lb and was 9lb 8 and resulted in emergency c section (dd was only 7lb 2 and they worried she was too small).
If you are concerned you should go to your mw again

My son was estimated at 10 lbs and only came out at 8 lbs 9 oz (phew!) They can get it wrong especially as they grow at different rates during different parts of the pg IYSWIM.

yeah well, "my midwife"... i have a different one every time - i have seen about 15 people so far, the majority of which (with exception of the doctor) thinks i should be closely monitored. but it's the doctor who has the last word... and the midwifes, and even my gp, say they don't have the authority to challenge his decisions...

nicky

you can ask for a second opinion. By doctor do you mean your consultant? If you aren't happy you can ask to see someone else. Check with your surgery, or your local hospital (isn't PALS the place to go for info on this? No experience sorry).

by the way, i had 4 scans, and the baby was too big pretty consistently. so i'm a little hesitant to rely on wrong measurements... i also measure bigger (fundus height), and i feel bigger...

nicky

Try not to worry too much. I know it's easier said than done but your body is capable of amazing things, even giving birth to a 9 and a half lb baby!

I am teeny too, 6-8 and 5"1 and had my dd lasy July. She was 9lb 4oz and my mw was convinced she would be 8lb at the most lol!

I am worried about this one though incase he is bigger but will cross that bridge when the time comes.

I do agree that if you are this worried they should be looking after you a bit more to reassure you if nothing else. Maybe have a word with the next mw you see, try the tears and see if there is someone you can get a 2nd opinion from.

Hope they do something to help