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Pregnancy

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

Original poster

Large baby should I be worried

30 replies

smileygirl1995 · 07/07/2022 00:54

So apologies in advance if this has been asked before by people but I'm hoping for some advice or actual experiences that people have had, I'm currently 33 weeks today had an extra growth scan yesterday as litre man is measuring on the higher side of the chart so they're keeping an eye, he's measuring on the 97th percentile, and his weight is roughly 5lb 5 so they're doing another gtt on Next week to rule out diabetes.
Without sounding selfish this has been something I've wanted for a long long time and now it's finally happening I'm a tad nervous that I won't get to experience the whole birth plan that I'd like to....I'd prefer a natural delivery (nothing wrong with c section at all it's just not for me) but it seems now I'm likely to be induced early and if he is larger again by then then he's at risk of shoulder distosia in delivery.
So I suppose what I'm asking is .....What is the likely hood that I'll be able to carry on naturally and deliver? I know everyone is different hence why I have asked for some personal experiences if people can, I just want to put my mind at ease I suppose a little.

The other thing is is there anything I can do to help him not put on so much weight?

OP posts:
Aquamarine1029 · 07/07/2022 01:01

I don't see the issue really. 5.5lbs, )which is probably inaccurate, anyway), at 33 weeks, is well within normal range.

My children were 8.12 and 9.5 and their births were vaginal and very easy. I wouldn't waste time worrying at this stage.

The other thing is is there anything I can do to help him not put on so much weight?

No. There is nothing you can do about this.

caringcarer · 07/07/2022 01:27

If you are offered an elective section closer to delivery date and baby is still on 97th percentile, I would take it. My niece had baby on 90th percentile and over 10lb and she ripped dreadfully. Took many stitches and many months to recover. She had elective section when told second baby was large too and found it much easier to cope after the birth. She was offered ES for first baby bit wanted natural birth and bitterly regrets her decision. Not trying to scare you but it is generally very large babies that cause third and fourth degree tares. Also a section is safer for baby too.

CombatBarbie · 07/07/2022 01:49

I had similar from 32 weeks. Told me DD would be at least 9lb.....put the shitters up me. She was born 7lb 1oz 🙄🙄

MrsJaneyLloydFoxe · 07/07/2022 03:00

My babies were 9lbs 9oz and 9lbs 13oz - first was unexpectedly large as I didn’t have extra scans (and a small bump throughout pregnancy!) and with my second I was monitored closely due to first baby being larger.

First labour was induced as I was 2 weeks overdue and baby in a difficult position. I found it very hard and had all the drugs, epidural, and then ended with forceps and a long recovery.
Second labour was a breeze! Just gas and air, baby was in a great position and delivered beautifully.
I believe your body will not grow a baby that you cannot deliver vaginally but other factors such as baby’s position, length of labour (how tired mother gets labouring), and how upright and mobile you are during labour actually impacts on how much intervention is required.

HerRoyalHappiness · 07/07/2022 03:08

My youngest was 10lb 10oz.
He was my easiest delivery. Cane out exactly as he was meant to, no issues with shoulders, 2 big pushes and out he came. Midwife had to catch him. I barely tore at all and only used gas and air.
Growth scans are known to be inaccurate and scare people. So I really wouldn't worry too much!

No2incoming · 07/07/2022 08:56

I had a similar experience, was told baby would be over 9 pound. I was induced at 40+6 weeks and he was 8lb 12 and natural delivery was okay.

CovIneedanamechange · 07/07/2022 09:03

I think you just have to see how it goes. So many variables involved! For what its worth my youngest was 11lb 7oz

CovIneedanamechange · 07/07/2022 09:04

Oops posted too soon..was going to say was unexpectedly 'large for gestational age' but birth was fine...had her in the pool with just G&A, quick recovery.

BitOutOfPractice · 07/07/2022 09:06

a. I don't think they know for certain
b. what are you going to do about it anyway?

What is the point of worrying women - your baby is large, your baby is small - when there is bugger all you can do about it anyway except get anxious.

peachgreen · 07/07/2022 09:13

MrsJaneyLloydFoxe · 07/07/2022 03:00

My babies were 9lbs 9oz and 9lbs 13oz - first was unexpectedly large as I didn’t have extra scans (and a small bump throughout pregnancy!) and with my second I was monitored closely due to first baby being larger.

First labour was induced as I was 2 weeks overdue and baby in a difficult position. I found it very hard and had all the drugs, epidural, and then ended with forceps and a long recovery.
Second labour was a breeze! Just gas and air, baby was in a great position and delivered beautifully.
I believe your body will not grow a baby that you cannot deliver vaginally but other factors such as baby’s position, length of labour (how tired mother gets labouring), and how upright and mobile you are during labour actually impacts on how much intervention is required.

My baby was too big to fit through my pelvis. She was completely stuck and I could never have delivered her naturally. Without a c-section I would have died. Your body very much can grow a baby you can’t deliver naturally!

babyrocket · 07/07/2022 09:30

I was told dd was large. She came out 8lb exactly. Big for a girl but not massive.

Isonthecase · 07/07/2022 09:39

In the same boat, my consultant seemed quite relaxed and said worst case it's likely to be an early induction and delivery in the labour ward rather than birthing unit/home birth.

Squiff70 · 07/07/2022 13:20

I'm in the exact same position. 33 weeks today, baby on the 97th centile. Tested negative for GD 4 weeks ago but I expect it might be repeated. Consultant wants to induce at 38 weeks but I don't want induction. I don't know what to do either and am worried I'm going to give birth to a teenager.

ScienceMummy15 · 07/07/2022 20:48

My baby was measuring large at 35 weeks. My gtt came back OK and I've got another scan next week. From my research I've gathered that the offer of induction will vary from hospital to hospital. I'll be offered induction from 38 weeks if baby is predicted over 95th centile, which will be less than a week away. I think I'm going to say yes if they offer. It's my second baby and I so ready now. I've also decided I'm going to ask them not to give me the predicted weights or centiles, it's not helpful and it's messing with my head. I just need to know over or under 95th. I also found it difficult to eat properly for a few days for fear of making things worse. Doesn't help being stopped multiple times a day for people to say how big you look! I wish people would think before they speak

Riverlee · 07/07/2022 20:55

My second was 9lb and was born vaginally.

He didn’t fit into newborn clothes, and is now nearly 6ft6!

Fleur405 · 07/07/2022 20:59

My daughter was on the 95th centile on my personal chart. This wasn’t identified before hand. She had shoulder dystocia which is a very scary thing and she was born to the sound of emergency alarms with the assistance of about 6 people. Yes lots of people have big babies with no problems but there is a reason why they err on the side of caution. The best thing to do is ask to speak to a consultant to talk through all the risks/possibilities/margins of error and then make an informed decision based on that. My understanding is that unless you have GD you can’t really do anything to affect the baby’s weight.

Roselilly36 · 07/07/2022 21:05

I wouldn’t worry about it, they can’t be sure of the weight, my first DS1 8lb 11oz. my second DS was 10 days early and weighed 9lb 3oz, went straight into 0-3 month babygrows. Both natural, spontaneous, vaginal births. Good luck.

Loulou1712 · 07/07/2022 22:04

Honestly alot can change in 7 weeks.
I was told at a 36 week growth scan with my first that she was already 7lb, she was actually born at 41weeks and was 7lb 15oz,there's no way she only gained 15oz in 5weeks! The truth is they measure babies head, belly and thigh length, my girls had a big-ish head and very long legs (much to the amusement of her father and I who are not blessed with long legs) so she measured 'big' she's now 3.5 and still has long legs 😂 x

Merryclaire · 07/07/2022 22:14

I’m in the same position - growth scan this week shows baby is 97th percentile. It’s got me really worried about complications during birth and wondering if I’ll need to make a decision to induce early or have a caesarean.

I did read an interesting article, though, that said when they are aware of baby being big, often all the precautions taken actually increase the incidence of complications, whereas those who don’t know they are having a big baby don’t seem to struggle as much. Although, of course, there is a slightly higher risk of shoulder getting stuck and bigger tears etc.

From all my reading it basically seems that a natural vaginal birth is better than CS unless there are complications during delivery - but, of course, you don’t know that beforehand. No one seems to have anything positive to say about being induced.

So it all makes it very hard for a first timer to know the best option! It’s really weighing on my mind at the moment.

Isaidno22 · 07/07/2022 22:36

My first was 12lb 3oz and ended up being an emergency cs. It was fine. My second was an elective cs, 10lb 2oz and the cs painful but the anaesthetist talked me through it all (pain in arm and difficulty breathing due to fluid in diaphragm after incisions). They’ll monitor you and decide nearer the time. The baby might not even end up ‘big’. I was told they’re often longer rather than bigger if that helps with your thought process. I didn’t bother with a birth plan. I just wanted them out by that time!

Isaidno22 · 07/07/2022 22:38

And I was induced with my first 3 weeks over due date! He’s 9 now and wears 12-13 year clothes.

Eek3under3 · 07/07/2022 22:42

My baby was measuring 6lb 9oz at my 34 week scan yesterday. My gtt was negative but I am following a GD diet anyway….

FlippityFlippityFlop · 07/07/2022 22:45

They told me my baby was on the 97th percentile and that they would be over 10lbs. They weren't.

They were 8lb 1oz so 50th percentile for weight. They were on the 97th percentile for length though. It's not an exact science.

TheFormidableMrsC · 07/07/2022 22:48

I was told my baby was likely to be around 6/7 lbs at birth. I was being monitored as an older mum. He was actually 9.5 lbs but my easiest birth. These things can be so inaccurate.

Original poster
smileygirl1995 · 11/07/2022 00:29

Thank you everyone for your comments really has put my mind at ease, I have another gtt today I'm hoping that one will also come back negative, little mans head is the part I'm most curious and nervous about it's completely off the centile chart 95th centile but not even within the line on the charts it's way off the end lol 😆
I think it's his head circumference measurement that's throwing all the rest out and putting him higher up altogether, but I'm not expert so who knows, hopefully the next gtt results will be negative to and on his next scan he will have evened out a little, he's technically only 6oz of what the BabyCentre app have said is right for his gestation time so I'm not to worried, the doctors just seem to make me feel more worried then is necessary sometimes 😣

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