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Pregnancy

Talk about every stage of pregnancy, from early symptoms to preparing for birth.

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Original poster

Big baby

13 replies

Anon1324 · 09/09/2021 11:42

I went for my 36 week growth scan yesterday due to having a big baby. She already weighs 7lb 11oz and over the 95th percentile on all measurements. I’m also really struggling (due to having rheumatoid arthritis) with my back and hips. I’m pretty miserable. I have the consultant calling me today to discuss yesterday’s scan and I’m still waiting for the call. I just want some opinions really on what might be said as I’m going out of my mind haha! Will induction be talked about? Thanks

OP posts:

Are your children’s vaccines up to date?

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Pissinthepottyplease · 09/09/2021 13:19

Remember you can request induction, they may say no or they can ask you want an induction and you can say no.

DD2 was large and I had a previous c section. After many long conversations I agree to booking and elcs at 39 weeks.

THATmamaofMANY · 09/09/2021 13:24

I was induced in the summer at 39 weeks due to concerns of how large baby may grow if left to it

Sanch1 · 09/09/2021 13:30

Very likely they'll discuss induction early, although with me they wouldnt induce until 39 weeks. I was so miserable with my back, hips and pelvis that I wanted her out as soon as possible!

Amz6219 · 09/09/2021 16:30

I had GD (controlled) and my son was measuring 8lb 1 at 36 week growth scan, because of this they wanted me to have an induction at 38 weeks.

Ended in EMCS but won't go into that unless you want me to! He was 8lb 9 born.

They'll more than likely discuss birth options but is totally up to you which route you take :) x

TomRipley · 09/09/2021 16:49

I had an induction at 37 weeks for a big baby but that's after two previous off the scale big babies!
He was 8lbs 5oz and was my easiest birth by far.

TrashKitten10 · 09/09/2021 17:13

My growth scan showed DD to be 7lb7 at 35 weeks, so very similar to you.

Doctors didn't seem overly concerned that she was at the very top of the centile charts but recommended being induced early, citing increased risks of shoulder dystocia with babies over 9/10 pounds. I asked about c-section but they pushed much more towards induction.

Induction at 38 weeks failed, DD was positioned wrong and just didn't want to make an entrance at all. I never dilated or went into labour so I ended up with a lovely calm c-section and DD was delivered at 38+6 weighing 8lb12.

Do your research and weigh up the risks before speaking to the doctors as they will have a plan in their mind and unless you have firm ideas and preferences you'll probably just follow the route they recommend.

Birthing a big baby can have it's risks but early induction isn't a breeze either, remember it's your choice so do what is best for you and don't be forced into decisions you're not happy with.

ajja2021 · 09/09/2021 17:18

Hi,

My first DS was a large baby, he was on the 100th centile at 10lb 1oz at 38 weeks. I had an ELCS, they had spoke about inducing me but I was concerned about shoulder dystocia and this was why I chose to have an ELCS.

I think this was right decision for me personally, they offered to induce me at 38 weeks, I said no and opted for csection. They did not want me to go past 40 weeks had I refused ELCS or induction.

Good luck, also remember scans can be inaccurate x

CantStartaFireWithoutaSpark · 09/09/2021 17:22

This happened me.
I was induced at 38 weeks.
Baby came out at 8 pounds exactly. They expected 9pounds.
So, it’s not always accurate. They often get it wrong.
If I had my time again, I wouldn’t have been induced.
Don’t stress. Nothing bad will happen, you will just be given options.

Original poster

Anon1324 · 09/09/2021 18:52

Thanks everyone! The consultant called and booked me in for an induction at 39 weeks but also said I could have a ELCS if I wanted. I honestly have no idea what to do as I’ve heard about the risks of shoulder dystocia also tearing etc. I’ve also heard many women who ended up having and EMCS (including my sister) after being induced which makes me feel torn with what to do. Any one have any advice?

OP posts:

CantStartaFireWithoutaSpark · 09/09/2021 18:59

I was presented with both, I chose induction.
I ended up having an episiotomy, which isn’t great, but for most women for their first labour is quite normal. I don’t know the figure offhand but it’s quite high.
I figure I would give it a good go myself and see how it went.
I would also Suggest requesting a sweep (or 2) from 38 weeks to help.

Induction can be slow, so I wouldn’t tell many people if you can that your going in. You do not need your phone beeping constantly. Keep it as quiet as possible for your own sanity.

THATmamaofMANY · 10/09/2021 07:30

Is this first baby? If you have had a vb before i think the sucess rate for induction is higher

Amz6219 · 10/09/2021 10:40

I was offered both too and chose induction at 38 weeks

Hindsight is a wonderful thing and I looking back I would have requested induction at a later date if I hadn't been slightly naïve FTM who believed everything I was told! Induction failed because he was just not ready (tried sweep but cervix was closed and so posterior she could hardly get to it, same situation when I had the first pessary of induction), so after very long labour then getting to 8cm I had EMCS.

Shoulder dystocia was a big risk factor for me because of GD and abdominal circumference off the chart, but it isn't necessarily an issue with a constitutionally 'big baby'

Do you have a gut feeling either way?

I wrote pages and pages of notes this time because I couldn't decide between VBAC and ELCS, there are tons of stats out there (RCOG, NICE, Birth Rights and your local trust) so have a look through those and it may help in making your decision :) x

Chelyanne · 10/09/2021 11:48

The scans can be out by up to 25%.

At 35+6wk our baby girl was estimated at 7lb 12oz, born at 38+6 weighing 10lb 15oz. They decided best to bring her early, I had an elcs with twins before her so scar rupture was a concern. I was booked in for an elcs 39wk as I didn't want to be induced. Reasoning being I had an induction with our 1st and ended up with hormone drip, hormone drip this time would double my risk of scar rupture.
I went in to spontaneous labour early hours at 38+6, was in denial for the 1st 12 hours and was 3cm when we went to hospital. I'd been in labour over 20 hours before going in for c-section, my scar had started to rupture so I lost a lot of blood and was very unwell after. I have osteoarthritis snd had spd so understand how hard it can be carrying a big one with joint issues.
Our 2nd was also a big baby measuring well ahead, he was born at 40+5 weighing 10lb 12oz. I had a natural unassisted vaginal birth with him after 6 days slow labour and 14 mins pushing (broad shoulders), big babies are not always hard to birth. They were not going to induce with him until 42wk.

Good luck

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