My second baby is measuring BIG - worried as DC1 was shoulder dystocia... anyone got any advice?

[BumgrapesofWrath]

After measuring 4 weeks ahead, I was sent for a growth scan scan today.

I am currently 34+6. Baby's head and femur measuring about 36 weeks, so no worries there. However, after measuring it's abdomen several times she said she couldn't get the size lower than 40+3 days!! Current weight approx 6lb 12.

As my previous baby was a shoulder dystocia (9lb, 8 days overdue, McRobert's manoevre), the fact the baby seems bigger around the middle is a worry, as it can suggest they may have bigger shoulders.

Is it possible that even though my GTT test was normal that I may have developed it since? I'm starting to blame myself as I am obese, and wonder if the baby has got big because I'm big.

Saw my consultant after the scan, and she refused to discuss C-section, as she said she'd never look at this as a first option.

So, as a result of today she's booked me in to see if she can give me a sweep at 36+6, which makes me feel uneasy to say the least. If my cervix is unfavourable, then she'll keep trying week by week to see what happens.

I'm considering changing my care to a different consultant and trying to get a C-section booked, just so I know it's an option.

I'm just not sure where to go from here. My consultant seems unconcerned. I'm not sure I really like the idea of an early induction, and as the baby is big already, who is to say this baby won't be SD even if it's delivered early.

I just don't want the consequences to be worse this time round. DS was delivered using McRoberts, and I don't want it to be worse this time. I just want the baby here safe and well.

Any advice (sorry it's a bit long and garbled)?

did you give birth on your back last time?

I pushed on my back. I know this could be a factor in what happened, unfortunately I don't know what the outcome would have been if I'd stayed upright!

it almost certainly was

it is unusual for a woman to grow a baby that they cant birth

our bodies are designed to "open" slightly to let the baby out... if you lie on your back you close the opening, that your body has factored into birthing your baby.

could you try birthing in a different position?

(i know its a personal thing, but there is no way i could have even gone onto my back when i gave birth, it was so much more painful (my body was screaming "no" to me!) when i did it for less than 1min for my VE, much much more comfortable on my knees, which felt right for me )

See a different consultant if you're worried. I'm very biased after a crappy birth so would not put up with a refusal to discuss options

At my growth scan, ds's head measured over the 100th percentile
Being a naive first timer, I agreed to have a go at forcing the giant head out - I of course ended up having an emergency c section

I know it's major surgery, but if I ever do it again, I'll be booking in another c section immediately. I felt mine and the baby's lives were put at risk trying to do it naturally.

As for not growing babies that can't get out...mine was 10lb and I swear at least half of that was head, and my sister's dd was 11lb5, she had a section too!

Don't blame yourself hun the babys grow just how they grow its nothing to do with us and our weights, take for example, 1st ds gained over 4st went 2 weeks over and he come out 6ib 8. 2nd ds I went over 5 days I only gained a few pounds over my pre preg weight did to some weight loss with sickness in early pregnancy I was 9st at 40wks pregnant, he come out 9ib I'm only very dainty and small framed but he did come out eventually after been stuck 2hr. If your concerned about the sd talk about your concerns to another consultant as I can totally understand your worrys xx

This happened to me. Shoulder dystocia with dc1 which was very distressing for me and for her. She was 9lb 11oz so not huge but measured big throughout my pregnancy and I was told all would be fine. I was refused a cs with dc2 like you but I was induced at 38+5 so he wouldn't be as large. All fine and he was 8lb 13oz and was also induced early with dc3 again all fine and weighing 8lb 3oz. Would this be an option for you?

I think early induction is definitely something I would consider if my cervix is favourable. Just a bit worried this might start the "cascade of interventions" which could end up in a c-section anyway.

The problem is there seems to be no perfect answer.

SD is more likely with induction.

I woukd go for optimal birthing positions and conditions.

I was told I was at risk of SD so I had a Homebirth. All fine.

Your consultant seems unreasonable in not offering you the option of a CS. I am in the same situation - had a shoulder dystocia with dc1 and now pregnant again with dc2. My consultant is being very supportive and happy for me to either try for a natural birth or have a cs - at the moment I have a low-lying placenta so unless it moves up it will be an automatic cs anyway, but if it does move I have the choice. I am leaning towards a cs to be honest, as SD was a horrific experience and my consultant thinks I might be at risk of it again as I have quite slim hips. I was on all fours giving birth, and while in labour was in the pool, rocking on a ball etc. Optimal positions didn't work for me!

The more I think about it, the more I want to elect for a caesarean. Looks like I might have a battle ahead of me...

Can you swap consultants?

I see the lead consultant at my hospital, so I assume she has the final say. Interestingly, my hospital has the lowest c-section rate in the country... So they are obviously very anti c-section.

I'm going to try speak to my consultant this week, and if all else fails I'll consider transferring care to a different hospital.