Large abdominal circumference

[Kittyswhiskers]

I had a scan yesterday and the baby’s abdominal circumference was off the scale (big rather than small) but everything else was within range. Estimated to be around 9lbs at birth.
They didn’t tell me much else except to say see a consultant next week. Has anyone else had anything similar?
I’m trying to stay away from Google as I’ve terrified myself. This is my third baby and my other two weighed around 8lbs at birth.

Thank you, I will do. I have actually read those already. I’m a nurse so fairly sure about the risks vs benefits. I just hope they listen to me

@Kittyswhiskers

Thank you, I will do. I have actually read those already. I’m a nurse so fairly sure about the risks vs benefits. I just hope they listen to me

Good luck OP. I am rooting for you and hoping you get the outcome best for yourself and baby. Please do update. X

Mine all had weirdly large AC measurements but have been a variety of sizes from 7lbs14 to 11lbs. That said, the 11lber had AC that was way over the top of the chart and he got totally stuck on the way out (not shoulder dystocia - his head never made it down that far). My other two both had larger AC measurements (example femur 50th centile, AC 85th centile type thing) but were not large babies. They were long and squashed up and all have been born with positional talipes from being squished (I'm quite small in stature).

It's difficult to say - scans can be notoriously wrong but at the same time if there is a risk of getting stuck or having a difficult vaginal birth you want to do what you can to avoid that. Hopefully at your appointment they can talk through everything and listen to your concerns. Best of luck x

I did have a private scan at 32 wks which showed the AC was larger than any other measurement but at the time it wasn’t off the scale so I wasn’t worried and neither was the sonographer. But yesterday it wasn’t even plottable where as everything else ranged between 20-50th centile.

I also had a close friend who had a baby with exactly the same thing, normal everything else but off the scale AC and she was told that the risk of shoulder dystocia is so severe that she should have a section.

Does anyone know if there’s any truth in this? That a high AC increases shoulder dystocia risk? Google brings up all sorts!!

Higher AC by itself does not increase risk of shoulder dystocia (this is in NICE guidelines). However, doctors will still be likely to push for induction of labour and in that case you are well within your right to request a c-section.

Both of mine had AC off the charts. Both were 8lbsish at birth and I had uncomplicated vaginal deliveries with no tearing.

At 37 weeks I don't think they will get you to do a glucose tolerance test but rather give you the equipment to self test your blood sugars after meals for a few days.

Why will they push for induction - because of the risk of the baby getting stuck? Sorry if that sounds a stupid question, it’s new to me. I can decline induction and go straight for section though right? And they won’t decline and force me to give birth vaginally? I’m really scared!!

I think all they’re doing next week is a single fasting blood sugar test (one done in phlebotomy) rather than another OGTT. I have to fast but don’t have to have the horrible sugar drink.

Just a hopeful bump for the Sunday crowd before my
Appt this week x

@pinguwings sounds like you had a really great birth experience with your two- I’d love to hear more! Pregnant with first and potentially a biggie is a bit frightening 😬

@Kittyswhiskers I don’t think they can force you no- they might try and persuade you otherwise but can’t force you. I imagine they would offer induction if baby is predicted large; if it’s only the AC that’s high perhaps not though! Is it possible the measurement is incorrect.. I’d ask them to recheck so you’re sure. If they aren’t concerned about a large AC measurement & you aren’t diabetic I wouldn’t worry! I’m no doc but I would think if it’s just a large AC and not large predicted birthweight or high percentile for other areas then they won’t offer you a CS as baby wouldn’t be in the big size bracket. I’m not in UK but they’ve told me the following in anticipation:
4kg-5kg: induction offered 2-3wks before due date
5kg or over: CS offered

Good luck & congrats whatever you choose! Xx

I had this picked up at my 20 week scan last week - AC above the 95th centile, everything else normal range. I've been booked in for a growth scan and consultant appointment at 36 weeks but nothing before then, and the sonographer and midwife didn't seem very worried - said it's probably just my baby's shape. I'm trying to take my cue from their level of concern and not Google!

I think the issue is that large AC could cause the baby to get stuck? It wasn’t even on the 99th centile, it was off the scale. I am confident it’s fairly accurate as I had a private scan at 32 weeks and it was larger than everything else even then, it’s not even on the charts now. Baby is predicted to be 9lb 1oz based on last weeks scan.

My ds had a big abdominal circumference according to the scans but I can assure u he's a perfectly in proportion and healthy 3 year old. Hopefully your child will be the same op. I'm pregnant again and apparently the head is a bit on the small side so I can relate to the worry!

I don’t understand how a large AC with normal other measurements would cause a shoulder dystocia when the shoulders come before the abdomen?

Thanks for replying. I’m really nervous about the birth after two relatively average babies, and worried about injuries, and of course what it means for the baby too. What are the chances of me being diabetic and not knowing?!

I had this at a scan at 36 weeks for dc2. Midwife told me not to worry as tummies are squishy. His birth was.very easy and straightforward. At birth he weighed 8lb 10oz and I felt relieved he was born at 36 weeks 6 days not full term.

Incidentally, he is now 14 and very slim. No hint of a huge tummy.

@Neolara was he born that early due to induction or just because? I wasn’t concerned until the midwife came out and mentioned they will need to
Watch and see what happens and possible induction.

He just arrived 3 weeks early, just like dc 1. Also, I didn't have diabetes. I'd had the tests during my pregnancy because I was part of some research study. It's perfectly possible just to grow a huge baby without there being anything wrong.

I came back to this thread to say I’ll be having a planned section. And I’m really happy and excited!

Congratulations OP. Did you get much push back? I had loads of push back and have been booked for a further scan on Monday (when im 39 weeks) which just makes me think they are delaying in the hope I go into labour before that. 😩

I didn’t actually which I was surprised about as I went in all guns blazing!! They did try and encourage an induction at 39 weeks - but I declined. A huge part of that was because my DH isn’t allowed in until established labour which for me could be immediately or could be two or three days!! If I have a section I can go in and stay with DH until surgery is over and I’m back on the ward. It all felt very controlled and calm. They’re also not scanning me again which, I thought they would, but I’m just so glad to have a plan now. How do you feel?

My baby was over nine pounds, big measurements around the tummy, yet the birth was great. Had been debating a section after a traumatic first birth which ironically baby did get stuck. But this one, without too much info practically fell out!