Very big baby - what happens next?

[Mabelann]

I’m estimated to be having a very big baby (measuring 4 weeks ahead on the scan and on the 97th centile). Im currently 32 weeks, I’m knackered and grumpy and not coping. Is there any chance they’d offer me a c section at 37 weeks for this? I’m having a c section anyway but normally they do them in the 39th week.

I would be wondering if your dates are definitely correct and asking if a c section could occur sooner than 39 weeks.

Our 2nd measure 4wk ahead on growth scans from 28wk. They were going to let me go 2wk overdue before induction. I was 1cm dilated at 39+6 and he arrived at 40+5, natural unassisted delivery (14mins pushing). I was terrified I wouldn't manage it but did pretty well, our 9lb 10oz 3rd was a breeze after him.

Oh he was 10lb 12oz

From what you have said, they wouldn't bring a c/s forward for a big baby. Only if there were other medical concerns.
Have you had it explained to you why they do it at 39 weeks? If not, you can speak to your midwife, but the risk of breathing difficulties needing admission to SCBU is higher.

I had dc4 at 38+2 via elcs but this was not due to his size, he weighed 11.6lbs and I measured 8 weeks ahead from 28 weeks. The only reason my section was moved before 39 weeks was due to my mental health and if the consultant felt I could have gone another week then i would of had to have waited. Long story short, 10 days after I had my dc3 by elcs my dc2 age 3 died suddenly. My mental health deteriorated considerably whilst I was pregnant with dc4 as was terrified that the same would happen again.

I’m so sorry to hear that @Phillipa12. I hope you’re doing ok, I can’t imagine how hard that must have been for you and your family.

Thank you Mabelan we are all ok, its been 7 years now, my mental health is so much better but there is not a day that passes when I don't think of and miss my daughter.
I've had 4 dc all c sections and all were over 10lb, its horrid being heavily pregnant with a large baby, I was grumpy, tired, swollen everything and struggled with walking but best place for baby is you till 39 weeks. I know it seems a lifetime away, it is just an extra 14 days from 37 weeks and it is worth it.

They told me DS would be big but I went to 42 weeks and was then induced, they weren’t too bothered. He was 10lb 6.

They told me DD would be big too but she turned out to be 8lbs. But in neither case did they offer me (or recommend) a c-section.

Thanks everyone. It looks like I’ll be waiting until 39 weeks. It seems such a long haul! Never mind, this is my last baby, I’m sure I’m supposed to ‘cherish every moment’ of the pregnancy! I’m going to stop work in a few weeks and hopefully that will help.

I was measuring 4 weeks ahead and went for a growth scan. They said we're looking at a 10lb baby at least! Came out 2 days late at 7.11! I don't think it's quite accurate the measuring and scans xxx

Also no csection was ever mentioned xx

I was having a big baby too. I also had severe hip pain and too much water. I was miserable and the doctor fortunately realised it. I was induced at 37 weeks, it didn’t work (tried for a week) theygave me a c section at 38 weeks.
My huge baby by the way was only 7lb. The size really is a guess.

My baby was estimated at 10 1/2lbs, she was 6lb 13. I wouldn’t worry too much!