Experiences of VBACs with big baby pls

[Vbactales]

Does anyone have any experience of a VBAC (successful or otherwise) with a baby that was measuring big?

DC1 was born by elective section at 39 weeks after a scan showed they were measuring large (proved correct and were born on the 97th percentile).

Now 39 weeks again and scan today has shown baby’s growth has increased closer to the top centile. I was hoping for a VBAC but have a section booked in for 40+10 as know I don’t want an induction.

I think I’ll move my section forward by a week but keen to hear experiences of those who have tried a VBAC with a big baby, did it make a difference?

Thank you in advance.

Not personal experience, but my best friend makes ginormous babies (all between 9 and 10 and half lbs!). First two were csections. Third and biggest was a VBAC. Baby was 10lb 7oz, 2 weeks overdue (she’d declined induction) and was born in 6 hours after a pretty uneventful labour. Very textbook, uncomplicated birth!

I had a vbac 3 weeks ago with a 4kg baby, so not absolutely enormous but pretty big! No problems at all. But I had two straight forward vaginal deliveries before my c section so that probably makes a difference too. How much did your first weigh?

First baby was 9lb 8oz, c-sectiom. Had a vbac for DC2. Was always going to be a VBAC - they didn't give me any other option! I had a normal Labour with DC1, fully dilated but then it turned out she was in an unusual presentation so needed an emergency section.

DC2 was actually slightly smaller (although still over 9lbs). Progressed normally. Pushing stage was hard work though - three hours. I don't know that being a VBAC made much difference. I was monitored but still had quite a lot of mobility - in the end the only position I could push well in ended up being on my back!

I had quite bad tearing but I don't know if that was to do with VBAC or size or just unlucky. I am very small build. Had stitches in theatre but all healed well. Recovery was much faster than c-section, although I would have said I recovered well from that too.

Thanks @Ringmaster27 thats reassuring!

First DC was 9lb12 at 39+3, this one predicted (with usual caveats) to be 8lb15 today at 39+1. Not sure I can give them another 2.5 weeks to fatten up but hard to know how long to leave it. I think you’re right, if you’ve had a successful vaginal birth, DRs generally confident it’ll be OK one way or another.

I had VBAC with a 10lb baby, it was my fastest labour but he did get a bit stuck and needed to be helped out with forceps. The bruising was epic, I had student midwives coming from other wards saying, "Are you the lady with bruising, could I have a look?" In the end it got a bit boring and I said I was going to start selling tickets. Funnily enough no one wanted to buy one.

Once the bruising was gone I was fine.

The thing is, people talk about baby weight but there are many factors really - size and shape of pelvic opening, elasticity and dimensions of cervix and vagina, baby head circumference and length. A long thin baby might weigh as much as a short fat one!

I had CS with dc1 8lb8. Vbac with dc2 9lb5. Episiotomy but fine otherwise.

Very true. My 10lb baby was off the scale with head circumference. Health visitor had a panic when she measured him and was asking if I'd noticed any change. I had to reassure her that all my kids have big heads.

My second baby was 10lb 11oz. The difference though was that we had no idea he was big, scans etc were normal, so birth all went ahead naturally. No issues during the birth, all straight forward. Everyone was a bit shocked at how big he was! The midwives even weighed him again because they thought the scales may be wrong. I had a bit of an awkward tear, but stitched up no problem and no issues since.

Thanks all for sharing your experiences. I know size isn’t everything but above a certain weight it is associated with some increased risks, so interested in how that intersects with a VBAC.

@mnahmnah wowza! That’s big! Was your previous delivery by c section?

No, first was natural too, but a slightly smaller 8lb 12oz!

I think it’s a large head that is a problem, which does get picked up on scans. My boy was long and solid but not chubby or large headed I think. Regardless, I would go with the advice of the health professionals. I’m glad my Boyd’s size wasn’t picked up so I avoided induction or c-section. But if that’s what they advise to be safe, I would follow their lead

No idea who Boyd is! I meant boy’s

It varies so much.
As pp said above. Mine was 6lb and I struggled so bad and alot of damage.