Advice for big baby

[JSpen]

Currently in hospital having attempted induction at 38+5 as baby is measuring big on growth scans (8"10 on 37 week scan and off the scale on percentiles). I have had the 2nd pessary but not much is happening and if they cannot break my waters tomorrow I will be offered the choice of a c-section.

This is my 3rd baby, other 2 were natural births and I don't know how to decide whether to opt for a c-section or let nature take its course when baby is ready to come. They are concerned with the risk of shoulder dystocia for baby if it is too big.

Has anyone been in the same situation and if so how did you decide what to do?

Thanks in advance.

I'm surprised they're inducing you tbh s NICE guidelines aren't to induce in baby's predicted size alone. Do you have other risk factors?
I had an 11lber at home, no issues, he was 98th centile, complete surprise although my first was 91st centile. 40w tomorrow with no3 who is off the centile according to serial growth scans but my consultant is chill. What size were your other babies and what centile?

My DD was just over 9lb ( so not exceptionally big) but with a 98th percentile head circumference. I had a natural labor at 39+4/5 and entonox and diamorphine. Not going to lie, it really bloody hurt, but I got away with a very small 2nd degree tear and a couple of stitches and had a really good/ready pay birth recovery.

I’m surprised too (mother of 10lbers speaking). Are you particularly petite?

*good/easy post birth recovery

I was induced last year at 38 due to big baby, induction failed as I never got going and had a section at 38.3 he was 9lbs and really long, his head and abdomen were on the top centile. Due DS 2 in June and having an ELCS this time as my section was such a good experience

I had an overdue natural birth with a ten pounder. Resulted in a shoulder dystocia. It was awful. If they're mentioning it as a possibility I'd take the C section every time.

Many thanks for your replies. No other risk factors unless age counts - I'm 39 and my hospital seem to treat over 35 with more care. Although the baby is proportionally measuring large it's the abdomen they are concerned about and shoulder dystocia - the head coming out but the rest getting stuck and the associated risks. They say the NICE guidelines are to try to deliver by around 39 weeks in this case.

My 2 other babies were born 40+3 @8'4 and 39+4 @8'1 but I do feel bigger this time.

I had dd1 with ventouse at the end, she was 4 days early and 9lb12oz, face up presentation (the midwife called her a stargazer, much nicer than the obstetrician who called it "face to pubes"!!!)

It was a back labour and took a long time but was great in the end.

Ds was 9lb3oz at 10 days early and a simple delivery.

Dd2 was induced at 36+6 as I was very unwell with kidney problems. She was 7lb13pz and seemed so tiny! The induction took one pessary (after failed induction at 36+4) and lots of walking/bouncing on the ball. It took 12 hours and as I said was my only induction and it just seemed my body remembered what to do. The midwifes said that once a second-plus-baby gets going, it's usually quite straightforward.

I'd been predicted roughly 8lb-rs for them all. Size scans are notoriously wrong half the time

Now I have a 19 yo university art student (dd1), a 17 yo exam-scared 6'3" architect wannabe (ds) and a goth-styled baby girl (15). I wish you all the best, and savour every minute! Xxx

A big abdo can indicate GDM so I'm guessing you've had a gtt offered?
But nice guidelines are....

1.2.10 Suspected fetal macrosomia
1.2.10.1 In the absence of any other indications, induction of labour should not be carried out simply because a healthcare professional suspects a baby is large for gestational age (macrosomic).

But like you say, they might be saying your age is an extra risk factor. Do you have a good relationship with your mw and consultant? Do you feel listened to?

What is your gut saying? Remember you can always take more time to consider your options, and whichever you choose it's important to feel confident and settled with that decision 💕

I think I would be more inclined to go with c-section but do what your instincts tell you

My friends baby had shoulder dystocia. He’s two and still can’t lift his arm above shoulder height. He might never be able to. When I was advised of the risk of dystocia due to my baby being large I immediately opted for a section. There were other risks to consider too - I was advised I could suffer severe tearing and permanent injuries, and if the baby got stuck he could suffer oxygen deprivation. I decided it wasn’t worth the risk.

I was induced on my due date due to polyhydromnois and a big baby, he was measuring over 9lb at 39 weeks from the scans. The induction worked with the first pessary for me mind so I never had to contemplate a c section but he was only 7lb 10oz so these scans can be so far out in my opinion. Good luck!

Id just like to add that I had a 12lber with just gas and air, no tears or stitches whereas my 7lber took 2 days and ventouse to come out. Bigger doesnt always mean more difficult. If you are petite then the risk of the shoulders getting stuck is much higher.