Big baby, can you demand to be induced?

[Beckysk]

Had a scan at 37 weeks, baby already weighing 7lb 11, which is scary! My first baby was 10lb, and I had a very long recovery afterwards, and 3 years on feel only just back to normal, though midwives don't even care about tht. Their attitude is I've done it once so I can do it again, but I really can't n it's giving me constant sleepless nights. I'm 38 weeks now, and wondered if anyone has managed to persuade the midwife to induce at 39/40 weeks for a big baby? I have an appointment tomorrow, so literally going to go in all guns blazing n beg! I literally am thinking to pay to go privately if they say no. Sounds pretty desperate but I'm terrified or birthing another bigger. HEELP!!

Hi Becky I'm in a very similar position to you I'm 35 weeks wth dc4 my last baby was 10lb 8 and this one is looking like it's heading the same way.

I don't know for definite the answer to your question the official line is no. I actually think you would have more chance of getting a section than induction. I've spoken to various doctors about it when I've been for antenatal checks (I'm consultant led) and most of them seem to say probably not but let's see how things go.

I'm planning to ask to see my consultant (I've never met him!) rather than one of the doctors at my 39 weeks appointment and see if I can get him to make a decision I'm worried about being left to go two weeks over so ideally would like an induction on or around my due date.
Something tells me I'm really going to have to argue my case they seem really reluctant. I understand there are risks with induction but I. Concerned about how big this baby's going to get, surely there must be a point where the risks of induction are outweighed by the risk of the baby getting stuck?!

I'm being induced at 40 weeks as baby is measuring big. Baby was estimated at 7lb5oz at 36 weeks.

This is DC2, I have been having scans every 2 weeks since 28 weeks as my bump has been measuring 5weeks ahead. We did have issues with our DC1 as he was born in poor condition not breathing but there isn't a reason they can find for that. The consultant I have been seeing understands I'm anxious about being late as DS was 10 days late and 9lb9oz and they think his size may have caused the issues. The consultant therefore said he would give permission for induction at 40 weeks and leave it to be my decision.

One midwife I saw was a bit offish saying they don't really induce for big babies but the other two have both said that they think it's best. I find that it really depends who you see as opinion really varies.

I would think that with your past history and the anxiety it is causing you there would be a good case for inducing you. I hope they listen to you.

Sorry that ended up being an essay!

You poor thing. You sound quite distressed about it all.
Firstly let me tell you I understand. I had one 10lbs 4oz baby and was petrified I would have another huge baby. 3 years later And expecting Dd2 I was freaking out as in the end she was 8 days overdue and I had to be induced.
I finally spoke to an OB who have me the option for c section based on 1st birth complications. I decided to try to get her out naturally.
I had 3 sweeps. THREE! But she was comfy in there.
I can't promise you anything as (as you know) you won't know how it will go until the day, all I can do is try to put your mind at ease.
DD2 (born 14 weeks ago) came in 38 mins, after being induced at 41+1, weighing 9lbs 8oz. No time for drugs! I had a little tearing but apart from that nothing. Very quick recovery. Was it painful? Hells yeah it was! But it's ok... Because i am fine and she is fine and it was over quickly.
Speak to your midwife and maybe ask to see an OB who can guide you towards an action plan, which might put your mind at ease a bit. Chances are if you had a low complication first birth, they will want you to wait until baby makes an appearance spontaneously.

My consultant offered me a sweep, with possible induction on my due date with ds2. I had a 3rd degree tear with ds1, and ds2 was measuring big. He was worried about shoulders getting stuck

(The consultant and I had this conversation at 11am, after a 36 week growth scan when they estimated he was 8lb.

My water went 3 hours later, and he was born that night weighing 7lb 4oz )

Btw you could opt for sweeps from
About 38 weeks which might get things moving (in my case not) but worth a try?

Oh, and that was without a sweep, just went naturally.

Thank you for all replying. Doesn't look likely tht they will induce me then :(. I'll ask anyway. It's just so terrifying, I just want a smaller baby to push out lol. I've heard the risks are that labour will be more painful, and more likely to need an assisted delivery. But surely if I've pushed out a 10 pounder without help, a smaller one will be a lot easier? Oh I don't know, I'm not bothered about the labour, I'm bothered at what I was like after. Every nurse n doctor that came to see me in hospital after I'd given birth told me I should have had a csection! Surely they can't put me through all that again?!?! Aghhhh sorry for my major freak out lol