C section for larger baby?

[JoFranks01]

Hi everyone, I'm currently 38 weeks and had a growth scan at 36 weeks which showed the baby was on the 90th percentile. I was really anxious afterwards, as they discussed the shoulder getting stuck / risks etc, but since done a lot of reading and calmed down. I also had a gestational diabetes test, that was negative.

However... at my midwife appointment this week, she said my bump was measuring above the highest growth line so has referred me back to see the consultant on Wednesday to discuss birthing options, which will most likely include another scan.

I'll be 39 weeks at the appointment, and I feel like it's getting way too close to my due date. I would like to do a natural birth, but has anyone else had this happen to them and consultant has suggested c section? And if so, how quickly do they arrange c sections? I know I'm within my right to refuse, but would be good to get advice from others who have been in similar situations.

Thanks!

They can book you for elcs at short notice, I was offered as short as 3 days when my twins were breech (opted for 9 days tho).
I've had big babies at the top of the centile charts and growing another one on the 97th now. Our 2nd was 10lb 12oz, natural unassisted birth just 14mins pushing. 3rd was 9lb 10oz, natural unassisted and out in just a few pushes. As terrifying as it feels big babies are not always a difficult birth.

@JoFranks01

Hi everyone, I'm currently 38 weeks and had a growth scan at 36 weeks which showed the baby was on the 90th percentile. I was really anxious afterwards, as they discussed the shoulder getting stuck / risks etc, but since done a lot of reading and calmed down. I also had a gestational diabetes test, that was negative.

However... at my midwife appointment this week, she said my bump was measuring above the highest growth line so has referred me back to see the consultant on Wednesday to discuss birthing options, which will most likely include another scan.

I'll be 39 weeks at the appointment, and I feel like it's getting way too close to my due date. I would like to do a natural birth, but has anyone else had this happen to them and consultant has suggested c section? And if so, how quickly do they arrange c sections? I know I'm within my right to refuse, but would be good to get advice from others who have been in similar situations.

Thanks!

I was booked for an elective cs 4 days before. Due to a large baby, he was measuring above the 100 percentile 😂 he was born weighing 10lbs 8. But I have friends who had growth scans telling them the babies were measuring above the 90th percentile & their babies were born small .. 7lbs & 6lbs 2 so you never know If you want to opt for a c section I would mention to the consultant that you're not interested in having another growth scan and ask to be booked. Good luck x

I know someone who had a scan last week (for something different) and was kept in then had the section the next morning. Maybe be prepared and take your bags in the car just in case. My section is booked for 39+4 but I think generally they’re about 39 weeks

Instead of just focusing on the baby’s weight, I’d be asking about the head size as this is more likely to result in an emergency section than a “big” baby. My baby was measuring on the larger side but his head was nearly off the charts. He got stuck sideways in my pelvis pushing on a nerve in my leg. I had to have a section as my pelvis was too narrow to pass his head (which was 39cm). He weighed 9lb 2 so chunky but not huge, but the head was the issue, not his weight. FWIW I had a planned section with my second and the experience was lovely, don’t be afraid of having a section. Good luck whatever you choose

My daughter was 10lb 1oz and I delivered her naturally. Albeit with the doctors having to dislocate her shoulder she was in special care briefly.

I've not been in your position but have been doing a lot of research to understand various risks as I'll be hoping to go for a VBAC later this year.

NICE guidelines don't support induction for a suspected large baby, so I don't see why a consultant should suggest a section before your due date purely for a suspected large baby. Personally I would decline a section if that was the only risk factor. If the baby did get stuck during a vaginal birth then your care providers will already be aware of the scans so would be ready to respond anyway.

I do agree with a PP that personally I would be interested in head size. That's a lot less of an estimate and a has a clear link to whether a vaginal birth is likely to be successful or not. I'd definitely take the overall estimated weight with a pinch of salt though.

As an FYI there is absolutely no relationship between a baby that is estimated to be big from scans and shoulder dystocia. There is a link between an actually large baby and shoulder dystocia, likewise with GD pregnancies and shoulder dystocia. There's also a number of other risk factors, but because scans are so inaccurate there's no link between an estimated big baby and shoulder dystocia at all.

I would also decline a c-section and induction for a large baby. Especially as you tested negative for GD.

My belly constantly measured over the 90th percentile line throughout pregnancy. My baby was 1 week late and was 7lbs 14, not bit at all. My placenta on the other hand was massive 🤣

Also remember that you can always ask for more time. If you go for a scan and they say that they want to give you a c-section that day (and the only reason is large baby) you can say you want to go home and think about it. Or even go for a short walk etc.

Thanks everyone, that's all been so useful to hear both sides. And really good point about the head size too. His head is on top of the growth scale (his belly is the same size too apparently), according to the scan from a few weeks ago so that's making me consider a c section now. Stupidly I was more worried about the weight but actually, the heads got to get through first! This is all really important things to consider before my appointment next week.

Our 2nd had a big head but broader shoulders, head was easy to get out but the shoulders got stuck. I remember the midwife saying take that gas and air off her and then a couple of pushes and the shoulders popped, he flew out and she had to catch him (she got a soaking of waters too as I had polyhdramnios). 3rd's head was 37.7cm and was easy to push out but did cause a tear.

It will depend on your size as to how well you can birth a large one. If you're quite petite an elcs will probably be best but if you have a larger frame you may cope perfectly fine. Only you can decide, cs can be quite a hard recovery (I didn't find it any worse than my vb's though).