growth scan/induction plan discussed tomorrow for MASSIVE baby and wondering what questions to ask

[slowangels1]

Am 38 weeks. At 36 weeks scan baby was off the charts big. I know scans can be unreliable but I've been told even taking that into account it's still a v big baby. Have another scan tomorrow and then a meeting to discuss inudction plans (they have said speed of when induced will depend upon scan result tomorrow but they won't let me go beyond 40 weeks).

Is there anything I need to think about or ask tomorrow does anyone know? I feel a bit and scared at everything and not sure if I have a choice, if I should decline anything or if there's anything I should check or whether to go along with whatever they suggest.

I can understand that you are concerned.
Is this your firs baby?
Even a very buig baby is not neccesserily a problem to birth, do you have gestational diabetes? In geneneral, without a medical condition, IMO we don't sually grow babies that are too big to birth.
It is your choice wether to accept their advice to induce you (whether at 38 wks, 40 wks or not at all!)
You might find this website helpful when making a descision.
www.bigbaby.org.uk/
In my experience, the bigger babies I have seen born (8-10lbs) tended to have easier, more straight-forward births than the smaller 6-7lb ones.
Selina

if you are induced, you might find your mobility restricted , and that can certainly have an impact on progression of labour and your body's ability to birth the baby. if you are lying down or immobile, it can impede the descent and can also stop your pelvis opening as fully ,which with a bigger baby can be necessary.

regardless of the size of baby, if your body is not ready, induction can be v lengthy and can end in a section

if you are induced at term, there is a likelihood your body won't be ready. ask them about your Bishops score, it is based on an internal examination that assesses several factors and gives an indication of how succesful an induction would be

thanks selina. Yes, it is my first. I have big babies on both sides of my and DHs family AND I have GD (Although diabetic nurse is happy I'm controlling it OK).

Interesting lulu re body not being ready. I wonder if they'll give me an internal or even an impromptu sweep tomorrow to see how things are looking or try and start things going

This is a really useful site too
www.plus-size-pregnancy.org/gd/gdinsulin.htm

As far as I know, induction of labour for macrosomia (big baby) leads to a higher incidencre f cesarean section without reducing risks to baby-
doctor-on-call.org/OXYTOCIN/induction%20and%20macrosomia.pdf
also more info here
wellroundedmama.blogspot.com/2009/10/healthy-birth-practices-let-labor-begin.html

S

I would absolutely insist on them at least assessing you to see how ripe you are

if you aren't at all ready.. you might need 2 - 3 pessaries to ripen the cervix, over 24 - 36 hours, that should ripen and soften the cervix to allow your waters to be broken if ctx not started, if breaking your waters does not start labour, you iwll be given a hormone drip.. if none of it works, you have a c.section

once induction is started, you can't stop the process until the baby is delivered

make sure you ask lots of questions, take a list if needed and don't be fobbed off

Don't panic; my first was 10lbs, no one had any idea (I am dress size 8-10). It wasn't fun but it was fine, I would be inclined to wait and let labour start naturally.