Scan size accuracy

[LeaLea31]

Hello 👋🏼, I’m after gaining insight into scan accuracy for large babies after multiple scans.

I’ve been told I have a large baby who keeps jumping centiles. My first scan that they said LO was large was 6 weeks ago. I have then had fortnightly scans to monitor her growth. I’m now 38 weeks my last scan was 3 days ago.

Scan 1: 88th centile with large belly 97th centile
Scan 2: 91st centile with large belly above 99th centile of the scale

Scan 3: 97th centil with belly over the scale again.

I’ve been offered induction or C-section at 39 weeks (C-section due to the risk of shoulder dystopia). I would have preferred a natural delivery like I had with my previous LO’s or been induced at 38 weeks reducing the risk of shoulder dystopia due to her being smaller, but this wasn’t available for me. I moved areas so my final scan was private and she told me it’s not the head that is big it is the legs (feamur) and abdomen. I was tested for diabetes at 31 weeks and came back negative.

I have heard scans can be 15% out either way, does anyone have experience of multiple scans being wrong (not just 1 scan).

I’m worried that I will have a c-section when there is no need. I’ve never had one and my other LO’s where from a previous relationship. I feel my OH will miss out on the whole birth experience as this is his 1st but what is more important is that the LO arrives safely. In a way I wish I didn’t have to choose and the consultant chose for me as I feel they have more knowledge than me just googling and reading a leaflet.

Also if anyone has had a c-section are caesarians still an intimate experience? Maybe OH won’t be missing out at all and it’s a really emotional and bonding experience. I have no experience of c-sections and don’t know anybody that has had one.

I had 2 growth scans with my son, I was deciding whether to go vbac….they showed he would be 91st centile….he was born at 39weeks exactly by csection at 9lb 10oz on the 98th centile

I had 2 growth scans with my daughter, they showed she would be around 50th centile. She was born at 39+2 at 7lb 11oz I believe this was between 50th and 75th centile

The growth scans were fairly accurate for me. I have had 3 csections and I think regardless of how they’re born it’s a wonderful intimate experience watching your baby be born, however I can’t say how it compares to a natural birth as I haven’t had one so don’t know but then neither will your other half. I will say with elective csections they try their best to make it as nice and relaxing as possible for you, u can drop the drapes and watch the baby come out, the dad can cut the cord, they’re immediately put on ur chest and your other half is right next to you throughout it all xx

I had at scan at 39+6 and it predicted 9 pound 13 - I turned down the section and induction and she was born a few days later 8 pound 4!! Normal vaginal birth with no issues.
There’s little evidence to support inducing due to size, the NICE guidelines are to continue as normal. Look on Dr Sarah wickham for more info. I did accept a sweep just to try and keep them off my back about the induction 🙄

@Jaaxe

Thank you, this post has made me see it from a completely different view and feel so much better, I almost felt guilty for having a caesarian as they all have had natural births with really big baby’s (his mum and his Nan and said it will be fine. They’re probably just trying to make me chill out a bit and I’m hormonal and over sensitive).

I didn’t think that this will be his only experience and really special to him. That would be amazing if they gave him the choice to cut the cord or not too! I didn’t know if they do that still. It’s really comforting to hear that it is an wonderful intimate experience as I really want it to be special for him but my first priority is to get LO here as safely as possible.

thank you 😊