Big baby fears

[Fae1989]

Hi all,

I’m 32+1 today. I was sent for a growth scan a few weeks ago because my midwife thought he baby’s growth was static (measuring about 28 at 27 weeks then looked like it has slowed down). Was advised at the scan that the baby looked ‘huge’ and was 4.03lbs. Was told it could be GD so had a GTT which was normal.

Seen my midwife since and she measured that growth has slowed again (fundal measurement) and sent me for a scan just to be on the safe side. Baby is now estimated to be over 5lbs. On the chart they’ve plotted that he’s grown but it doesn’t look like an abnormal amount (to me anyway). It doesn’t sound like there are any risks to baby at the moment and he’s moving amazingly and very active. However, I’ve now got to have scans every two weeks to monitor growth and if he starts to increase a lot they’re talking about c section or induction. These are two things I really didn’t want but it didn’t sound like I had an option. I’m also panicking because I wanted a quiet birth without lots of doctors and extra staff milling around.

I’d add that I was over 8lbs at birth, having a boy and my partner was nearly 9lbs and is 6’4’’ so genetically I’m thinking it’s normal he’s on the bigger side!

I’ve been practicing hypnobirthing and got myself into a really positive space but all these extra scans and appointments have really stressed me out and I couldn’t feel less positive :/

Thank :)

I'm sorry you're worried that your birth won't go to plan. Just know that the doctors are only wanting to keep you and baby happy and safe. Explain that you would like to try and go into labour yourself with minimal intervention and see what they say. I guess it depends on the risks etc. I personally would do whatever is best for the baby. Good luck :) x

I’d always put baby first but I just wanted to see if anyone had gone through similar and delivered naturally? I hate this medicalised world that strips us of our choices. From what I’ve read the risks are minimal and size estimates can be wrong!

My DD was about 9lb 6oz. I delivered her naturally just with a tens machine and relaxation/breathing techniques from a 1:1 class with a midwife a few weeks earlier. It can be done!

I’ve had 3 babies, all at around 9lb. The heaviest was 9lb3oz. All three delivered without c sections being needed. I did have a few stitches after each but nothing that didn’t heal.
Remember, the medical staff are there to help and advise. It’s ok to ask all of your questions and push back if you don’t like the way things are headed.
Good luck with it xx

I had an 8lb and a 10lb 5er vaginally. Second was really easy in fact and born at home, when they knew she would be big - consultant said big baby of itself isn’t necessarily a problem. However there can be individual factors that make it risky and I think in a first pregnancy there’s more of an unknown of how your body will cope. I saw someone in another thread mention having a 11lb 8 baby! But she had a section.

I also hate everything being medicalised, I think you are right to of course follow advice but to question the evidence for what you are being advised. Have you seen a consultant? As if it’s just sonographer making unhelpful comments about ‘huge’ baby, they may not know what they are talking about. One told me ‘they won’t let you go past your dates’ and I was quite upset and then midwife and consultant both said that was nonsense, and reminded me it was my decision, no one would be ‘letting me’ anyway.

I think this is why they say don't set your mind on having a particular birth as more often than not they don't go that way. You need to be open to all possibilities including c sections and just think as long as the baby is fine nothing else matters. Good luck! X

I had a large baby using hypnobirthing, no issues at all. I found Ina May Gaskins guide to childbirth really helpful-half the book is positive first person birth stories and a lot mention larger babies. Might help reclaim your positive head space.
Ps my larger baby was my easier delivery, yay for gravity

I'm overdue and measuring big (already 9lb+).

Like you i suspect it's genetics, DH and I are tall/broad and there are other family members who are big.

Midwife has always told me not to worry, and saw the consultant today, who also said they aren't concerned, no reason to induce just because baby is big.

I read a good thread on here about using gravity to help...that's my plan anyway (if I ever go into labour that is!!)

My youngest DS was 11lb 2oz. He was the quickest...21 mins start to finish. Before I had him the drs/midwives had told me there would be a lot of people in the room as he was “such a big baby” and they may need to help his shoulders out etc. As it happened, I woke up at 8cm dialated, was taken to the delivery room and 21 mins later he arrived, with only me and 1 midwife in the room (Exh didn’t make it in time!) I hope it all works out for you and you have a smooth labour xx

I have had two children, first was 8lbs 7oz and second 10lbs. Like you they tried to encourage me in for induction or even a c-section for my 2nd because the baby was measuring big. I declined, 2nd birth was much easier than the first. I had her at home with tens and gas and air. It was bloody hard work but I don’t think her size caused me any issues and I’m a pretty small person. A big baby isn’t a problem, don’t let them worry you into thinking it is.

Thanks everyone for your advice and comments - you're all fab!

Upon researching I've unearthed quite a lot of information. The discrepancies come in that different healthcare trusts in the UK seem to advocate different interventions in their policies - some trusts say they recommend induction or c-section for bigger babies and some don't recommend it just because baby is (estimated) measuring big.

It just feels to me like it's unnecessary - neither of us is unwell.

@Merename - the sonographer said it on both occasions and then I spoke to a midwife afterwards in clinic. She basically said he's grown since the last scan (gained just over a pound in just under two weeks according to the scan) and just referred to him as 'big'. The frustrating thing is I'm really healthy and a normal weight etc so I assume that's why I haven't seen a consultant.

@whiteroseredrose - that's amazing. I honestly think breathing techniques and the right headspace can help you overcome anything.

@Gustavo1 - maybe some of us just have bigger babies? Clearly our bodies can cope with them if you've had babies previously - and from what I understand needing stitches is fairly common with many births

@preggers88 - I don't have my mind set on anything - but I have my preferences and I didn't feel like I was being given an option (if push came to shove) about what I felt was right for me and my baby. They might be professionals but it doesn't mean they're always right. I have got an open mind to all options. But I want to make it as positive experience as possible whilst protecting my baby.

@moreismore - nice one, thank you. I'll definitely be sure to check that out! Always great to hear other hypnobirthing stories! I never thought about larger babies being better gravity wise!

@ryanreynolds - ah not long now! Hope baby comes soon for you :) that's good that you've got the professionals advising you that way, I think it puts your mind at rest. Maybe mine suggested it because I'm distinctly average height haha! My partner is very tall though so it has to play a part! Gravity is definitely your friend! Check out The Positive Birth Company videos if you get a chance, they're fab!

@Goodnightjude1 - wow you're like Superwoman! That's incredible :) I think that proves the point that babies more often that not are designed for their mum's bodies! Thank you :)

@Doublechocolatetiffin - thank you, that's really reassuring. Well done you as well! I think I just needed someone to say they'd been there and declined and it had all worked out fine, which many of you have!

Sorry for the essay, wanted to reply to each of you as I really appreciate your comments! :)
x

I did my hypnobirthing etc but with a baby measuring huge, the dr recommended an induction at 39 weeks. I went with that but things went from bad to worse and I ended up with an emergency c section. DS was 10lb 10oz and he had a head to match.

It's good to be realistic that things can go wrong. I feel lucky that I just had a very good operation and a healthy baby but some more serious complications like shoulders getting stuck aren't uncommon.

I was induced on my due date due to every medical professional I'd seen telling me my baby was huge and I couldn't possibly go past my dates.

Induction wasn't great tbh; but I got my baby boy 3 days after his due date so that was good.

I had 4 additional scans, extra consultant appts and several sweeps. Last scan I was told baby would be 10.5-11lbs.

He was 8lbs 12 at birth!

@JoJoSM2 - I’m definitely realistic but I just think it’s a bit premature to suggest that

Stuck shoulders aren’t uncommon but they’re also just as likely to happen with a ‘normal sized’ baby from the research I’ve found online. If hypnobirthing has taught me anything it’s to have confidence that your body CAN do the job. I accept that those two options might be an eventuality but I refuse to be pigeonholed into doing it just because they think that’s best.

@Anothertempusername - that’s a big difference from what they estimated! Wow! Yet again stories like yours reinforce my gut instinct to try naturally as I was a big baby and my mum had no issues, both me and my mum and average height and weight etc so we’ll see!

Thanks both :)

You might find it useful to read the NICE guidelines, if you think your HCP or trust isn't helpful.

From memory, the NICE guidelines do not recommend induction or section for size only. Maybe talk about that at your next appointment.

They also note that the risk of shoulder dystocia is only raised a tiny amount - most cases are in average or smaller babies anyway - and actually smaller babies are more likely to end up with instrumental delivery overall. Apparently big babies have gravity on their side, and are better able to get into the best position!

Remember: they can only advise. They can't insist you have an induction or section.

Royal College of Obstetricians does not recommend induction to prevent possible should dystocia, as induction is itself a risk factor for dystocia.

I know other people’s stories may just be anecdotal, but I’ve got two friends who’ve given birth to big babies with little to no issues
One had her DD a couple of weeks after I had DC2, and she was 10lb 1oz. Mum didn’t have GD or any other medical issues that might contribute to a big baby either. Pretty smooth sailing birth, with some stitches for a minor tear
My other friend was the really impressive one: she’s tiny. Like really tiny - barely scraping 5 foot tall. Her DS was 11lb something and born at home

If it makes you feel better i was told at about 36 weeks baby was estimated to weigh 8lb 6oz so naturally i was concerned about his size and i also had GD. I then went into labour spontaneously at 37+1 and he was 7lb 5oz when born so smaller than they estimated. Dont take what they say as 100% x

My son was 9lb 6 , i didnt tear and he came out in 30 minutes of pushing and i was morphine.

I was scared but honestly didn't feel a thing so was surprised.

Thank you all - you've been such a big help. I really appreciate it :)

They wanted to induce me with my son by term as he was measuring big and I had gained a fair bit of weight
I refused, he arrived of his own accord at 40+11 at 8lb10oz. Not huge at all, and looked on the smaller he was just dense! Midwifes had guessed at 7lb prior to weighing him. I had no tears cuts etc and a natural birth. You can say no, I wish I had dragged my heels more and not let them insist on continuous monitoring etc restricting movement.

I had a late scan as placenta was covering cervix and 30+ weeks (it moved) and they measured by DS to be big and expected him to be 9lbs something, I had him at 40w3d naturally, quick labour, no complications or stitches etc and he turned out to be 10lbs exactly!

Thanks both :)

@Sweetooth92 - did they send you for loads of growth scans? Each time I go I dread what they’re going to tell me!

Just two. Both measured okay, not overly large. To be honest me and the consultant clashed so I would have disagreed whatever they said 😳 she decided I gained weights due then was too heavy so couldn’t have the birth I wanted (I have a high bmi for size due to large volumes of muscle from training competitively for years tand so on,) and then my community midwives encouraged me to have a home birth instead so I could have what I wanted and she really didn’t like it so kept ringing them back with varying reasons to induce at 40 weeks and so on. I’m not entirely convinced there was any issue other than I questioned her! It was just a ball ache having to keep finding time off to go more than anything. Did get some cute scan photos of his little face at about 36w though