Growth scan and big head

[SquigsC]

Hello all!

I am 38+1 today and had a growth scan. I know that as far as weight goes, they’re not very reliable, but does the same go for the measurements? At all the growth scans I’ve been to my baby’s head has been in the 90th percentile and it’s making me nervous! This is my first birth - has anybody experienced birthing a baby with a big head? Or would a c section be worth considering?

Hi, just wondering how you got on? I’m in a similar situation and worrying about how baby will get out!

My son had a big head and still has a big head 🤣 he's in proportion tho he's a tall boy. Slim but big built for a 4 year old. I'm only 5'3 and a slim build, giving birth to him was hard I won't lie to you. I pushed for an hour before doctor intervened, they then done an episiotomy which is a cut on the opening of the vagina to widen the hole and he came out quite quickly after that. Tho they did realise then, that he had his cord around his neck two times and it was pulling him back up so I don't think I was going to get him out alone regardless!

Hopefully in your situation baby won't be tangled up in the cord and will come out much quicker even with a big head! And worst case they can do an episiotomy to help you. As horrible as them cutting you sounds it's actually quite beneficial. You are numbed before hand so don't feel it, I also didn't get the ring of fire, I didn't actually feel him coming out at all (just the contractions not the pain or burning on my actual vagina) as they had numbed it for the episiotomy. It also makes the cut much neater than if you were to rip naturally and they just stitched it back up after... Again didn't feel it! The recovery was painful I did need to sit on a cushion for a while and sometimes put cold compress down there but I think any vaginal birth is going to hurt after anyway. Definitely less invasion that a C-section but of course do whatever makes you feel safe and your baby safe.

I would be happy to attemp vaginal birth again if I had another baby with a big head so please don't worry about that part at all. Just be prepared with breathing techniques and allowing the body to naturally push baby out too, as to not stress and rush your body too much. You've got this ladies 💪

I remember the ultrasound operator commenting "Oh she's got a big head" when I was expecting my second, and that fact preoccupied me for the rest of my pregnancy! The birth was fine actually, just a minor internal tear. She did/does have a big head! (as do I)