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Pregnancy

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

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Original poster

Scared to birth a big baby

18 replies

aaaab · 21/06/2023 21:50

My 1st DC was 9lb 5oz - had them via ELCS

my midwife this time around said I can birth how I want - I do want to try for vaginal but I’m scared as I heard they get bigger each pregnancy or don’t get smaller

so the thought of having a vaginal birth for a 9lb 5oz+ baby is scary for me

would they do growth scans if I said I wanted a VBAC? Would I have to be induced? Or would they make me have ELCS due to possible big baby??

has anyone been in this position what happened for you I want to know do I have options and is it more complicated to have a vaginal birth if my baby is a bit bigger

OP posts:

FirstTimeMama2022 · 21/06/2023 22:00

I'm not sure they would do any extra growth scans unless they were concerned about babies size. I wouldn't rely totally on growth scans as I was told on numerous occasions I was definately having an eight pounder (both nhs & private scans) but my dd came out a tiny 5lb 14oz. At all these scans no one said that I couldn't have a vaginal birth even though I'm a tiny 5"2 and slim built so I was so scared too. In the end though I had to have an emergency section due to dd's heart rate dipping and no progression. Sorry I can't be of more help than this but I'm sure you'll be fine either way, try not to worry too much.

Original poster

aaaab · 21/06/2023 22:12

@FirstTimeMama2022 I have heard this about growth scans - right for some and major hit and miss for others!!

No worries thank you I mean overall I need to accept if I went for a vaginal birth to prepare for the unexpected as it could end up EMCS

I just am unsure if there’s a process for big babies, I had my 1st baby ELCS as they were still breach at 39 weeks (after they’ had tried to move him ! Aha ) and again I just took advice and had the ELCS because I am a bit scared of childbirth and the unpredictability

OP posts:

mayorofcasterbridge · 21/06/2023 22:17

@aaaabI can only share my own experience. My first DC was 8lb 7.5ozs and as I didn't go into labour (despite 3 attempts to induce me) and the placenta was exhausted, they had to arrive via planned CS.

My obs with 2nd said I might be able to have a VBAC if they were smaller, but in the end he didn't reckon they were. That baby weighed in at 9lbs 5.5! Still remember the sweat on his brow as he hauled them out lol!! Third was 9lbs 7.5 - they were all born around 38+4!

I've actually never been in labour and I have three children!

HotSince82 · 21/06/2023 22:18

Think very carefully about what exactly you perceive to be the benefits of a vaginal birth.

Original poster

aaaab · 21/06/2023 22:20

@HotSince82 Hi I’m sorry can you elaborate on this comment please? Just unsure what you mean :)

OP posts:

Gymmum82 · 21/06/2023 22:23

My first was 8lb 5. My second was 10lb 2. I was having growth scans due to a predicted big baby but they estimated her at 9.5lb so she was quite a bit over that. Her birth was very fast and very easy. No complications. My first was a natural delivery though but her birth was far longer and more difficult with more complications. IME bigger baby doesn’t mean more difficult delivery

mnahmnah · 21/06/2023 22:26

DS2 was 10lb 11oz. We had no idea he was a huge baby until he was out! Scans were fine, bump measured spot-on throughout. I’m glad, because otherwise I’m pretty sure they would have induced me or done a c-section. I delivered him without any issues and nothing damaged either.

I think a lot depends on your stature to cope with it and whether baby has a big head, as that’s when they can get in a tricky situation trying to get out. DS was long and solidly built (he’s a few inches taller than his friends now at age 6!) rather than a big head. I’m a tallish 5’8 and size 12, so someone more petite may have struggled.

HotSince82 · 21/06/2023 22:29

I just mean that before you risk the long term damage of birthing a large baby vaginally, have the benefits of doing so firmly in your mind.

Write them down.

lilyfire · 21/06/2023 22:32

My first was 11lb 3oz and vaginal birth - scan said he’d be about 8lb 7. It was fine. The next two were smaller - just under 10 lbs and were fairly straightforward vaginal births.

froufroulala · 21/06/2023 22:41

First baby 7lb 4oz. Second pregnancy, different Dad, they predicted an average size baby. Vaginal birth 11lb 3oz and 59cm in length. Third pregnancy I stopped eating! 9lb 12oz. Good luck!

eewno · 21/06/2023 23:04

My eldest was my biggest out of 4 - by more than a lb.

You know if you want an ELCS you can just ask for one.

user50316 · 21/06/2023 23:25

My second baby was smaller than my first! And don't trust the growth scans - they said baby was going to be "tiny" --- she was 7.5lbs.

caringcarer · 21/06/2023 23:37

My niece is 5 foot 2 and a size 8-10. Her DH is 6 foot 4 and big. Her first son was 9 lb 1oz, her second son was 10 lb 10 Oz and when she was having her DD they told her it's possibly a larger baby than last. She elected for C section. Baby was born 7 days early and 11 lb 1 Oz. The midwife told her if it had been full term or even a few days late the baby would have likely been 11 lb 7lb. My niece had a cut with first son, and a nasty second degree tear with her second son that took over a year to heal properly and she didn't want to risk another tear with her third baby.

blanketsforall · 21/06/2023 23:42

Had all mine naturally - oldest was about 10.5lbs, next around 9 and last nearly 10lbs - I'm fairly tall and just needed a small episiotomy with the first. Really glad I avoided a CS as it's a major operation and not to be taken lightly as no driving or lifting for a time after.

TheFormidableMrsC · 21/06/2023 23:43

My first baby was 7lbs and I had a horrendous birth with every intervention and repair surgery afterwards. Also PTSD. On reflection it was a poorly managed birth and I was very much let down. I regret not taking it further afterwards, my treatment was barbaric.

Baby no 2, 13 years later, was 9.5lbs at birth. It was an easy birth in the grand scheme. I managed without pain relief except for gas and air and I was amazed to be honest. I have since been told that bigger babies are often easier. I mean it is pointless to pretend that labour isn't extremely painful but I maintained an active birth, moving around and staying on upright and then on my knees when he came out. I did also make sure that I didn't pile on weight as I did with my first and I was much fitter and healthier despite being 42. My point is take care of yourself, be fit and active and hopefully you can have a good VB. If you think section is for you, then just do it. All you ultimately want is the safe delivery of your baby

GodspeedJune · 21/06/2023 23:44

Anecdote is not data but…

The hospital scared me about birthing a big baby, who turned out to be smaller than the growth scans predicted.

My DMs first born was her heaviest baby.

I recommend Sara Wickhams website for more info on ‘big babies’.

Jellycats4life · 21/06/2023 23:45

Vaginal birth is overrated. Just go for a nice calm elective section.

LordSalem · 21/06/2023 23:46

Growth scans aren’t accurate at all.
I had a 6lb baby more than a week overdue and still got a second degree tear. There's no guarantees for any birth.

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