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Original poster

Why is baby measuring above 99 percentile

37 replies

emilybr · 20/09/2023 23:13

I'm overweight and a slight but too much fluid - was 9.3 and now it's 8.3....

However baby was 98 and 97, now he's measuring over 99.

When I had the 20 week scan they said he looked big.

I'm now 29 weeks.

Will I be induced early?

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Chanteuse · 20/09/2023 23:30

My baby is also measuring over the 99th centile. They offered me early induction, c section or wait and see. I’ve opted for the c section at 39 weeks!

Original poster
emilybr · 20/09/2023 23:43

Chanteuse · 20/09/2023 23:30

My baby is also measuring over the 99th centile. They offered me early induction, c section or wait and see. I’ve opted for the c section at 39 weeks!

I'm not really being offered a c section.

Oh god I have to wait until week 39?!!

OP posts:
AnnaBlush · 21/09/2023 01:46

I would take measurements with a pinch of salt. They are notoriously inaccurate
for example My daughter was estimated 8/9 pounds when I was 37 weeks
I was overdue by 13 days ( induced) baby born at 7lbs. ( nearly5 weeks later)

Imisscoffee2021 · 21/09/2023 02:30

I ended up with a 10lbs baby, I'm 5 foot 4 husband 6 foot 4. He was 11 days overdue and back to bsck, head not properly engaged in cervix and so big he couldn't turn. 8 hours painful labour with failed epidural ended in an emergency section. All my scans he was big and all midwives downplayed it, also said not to worry about position as he'd turn...nope! In hindsight I wish I'd had an elective at 39 weeks, but whenever I asked what contingency is for a big baby it was brushed off totally and being a first time mum I didn't push back. Think it can go either way but in my case scans were spot on.

Also induction was crap as I ended up induced then stalled waiting three days for room on labour ward so unless you have your own room from the beginning you may spend more time on wards than you'd like!

Imisscoffee2021 · 21/09/2023 02:33

Oh and if for some reason breast feeding doesn't work out (my boy had a terrible tongue tie that got missed til health visitor spotted at day 5) make sure baby gets enough formula, I was given so much totally different instructions by midwives on different wards and shifts, basically underwear him first 24 hrs as he needed more due to his size, and I now can't bear to look at pics of him newbirn as he's munching his little hand in all hungry but too tired to fuss. Not trying to scare btw just really dont want anyone else to have my birth experience with a big baby.

Imisscoffee2021 · 21/09/2023 02:34

Underfed not underwear**

elifont · 21/09/2023 02:42

Imisscoffee2021 · 21/09/2023 02:33

Oh and if for some reason breast feeding doesn't work out (my boy had a terrible tongue tie that got missed til health visitor spotted at day 5) make sure baby gets enough formula, I was given so much totally different instructions by midwives on different wards and shifts, basically underwear him first 24 hrs as he needed more due to his size, and I now can't bear to look at pics of him newbirn as he's munching his little hand in all hungry but too tired to fuss. Not trying to scare btw just really dont want anyone else to have my birth experience with a big baby.

I had multiple extra scans for constantly showing small baby. He was 10 pound 2. Not sure what they actually know or just guess and flap about scaring the baby out of you.

Original poster
emilybr · 21/09/2023 08:43

AnnaBlush · 21/09/2023 01:46

I would take measurements with a pinch of salt. They are notoriously inaccurate
for example My daughter was estimated 8/9 pounds when I was 37 weeks
I was overdue by 13 days ( induced) baby born at 7lbs. ( nearly5 weeks later)

I was thinking more about measurements rather than weight?

OP posts:
dikwad · 21/09/2023 09:15

Mine measured over 99th for an age! I was induced at 37 weeks because he was measuring huge and when he was born at 37+1 he weighed 10lb 3oz. I had him vaginally and all was fine!

Original poster
emilybr · 21/09/2023 10:11

dikwad · 21/09/2023 09:15

Mine measured over 99th for an age! I was induced at 37 weeks because he was measuring huge and when he was born at 37+1 he weighed 10lb 3oz. I had him vaginally and all was fine!

Thanks. I think mine is measuring big since the 20 week scan.

OP posts:
Tiredbehyondbelief · 21/09/2023 10:50

Hi there, I am a NHS midwife working on labour ward. Women could push big babies out and slim women with average size babies sometimes end up with a Caesarean section. Are you eating sensibly and going for long walks? I suggest you do, if you are not doing it already. Also ask to be referred for gestational diabetes testing. If you test positive you will get help with diet and medication (if medication is necessary). You should have an appointment with the doctor around 36 weeks to discuss the way forward 1. Wait for onset of spontaneous labour 2 induction 3 elective Caesarean section. Listen carefully, write everything down, ask for time to think over your options and go with your gut instinct. No need to bring formula to hospital. Colostrum and breast milk is produced on demand. A lot of babies are sleepy in the first 24 hours. It's Nature's grace period for mum to recover. Then babies wake up and start feeding like crazy till milk comes in on day 3. This is completely normal. Baby's size doesn't matter. Women used to breastfeed twins long before formula came along. I hope it helps

Original poster
emilybr · 21/09/2023 11:55

Tiredbehyondbelief · 21/09/2023 10:50

Hi there, I am a NHS midwife working on labour ward. Women could push big babies out and slim women with average size babies sometimes end up with a Caesarean section. Are you eating sensibly and going for long walks? I suggest you do, if you are not doing it already. Also ask to be referred for gestational diabetes testing. If you test positive you will get help with diet and medication (if medication is necessary). You should have an appointment with the doctor around 36 weeks to discuss the way forward 1. Wait for onset of spontaneous labour 2 induction 3 elective Caesarean section. Listen carefully, write everything down, ask for time to think over your options and go with your gut instinct. No need to bring formula to hospital. Colostrum and breast milk is produced on demand. A lot of babies are sleepy in the first 24 hours. It's Nature's grace period for mum to recover. Then babies wake up and start feeding like crazy till milk comes in on day 3. This is completely normal. Baby's size doesn't matter. Women used to breastfeed twins long before formula came along. I hope it helps

They are saying what birth do I want.... without actually telling me what's available.

It's bizarre!

OP posts:
GodspeedJune · 21/09/2023 12:02

Have you had an appointment with a consultant? That’s who I discussed my preferred mode of birth with.

Original poster
emilybr · 21/09/2023 12:53

GodspeedJune · 21/09/2023 12:02

Have you had an appointment with a consultant? That’s who I discussed my preferred mode of birth with.

I have to see a consultant and she didn't give me any info and got arsey when I told her I wanted a c section.

OP posts:
Original poster
emilybr · 21/09/2023 12:53

I've made another thread about this.

OP posts:
Tiredbehyondbelief · 21/09/2023 13:45

You have 3 options as outlined above. Ask the doctor to spell risks and benefits of every options and ask for time to think their answers over. It's always a good idea to bring a relative or a close friend along. Don't worry about asking silly questions, it's a big decision to make, no question is too silly when it comes to having a baby. Good luck

Tiredbehyondbelief · 21/09/2023 13:49

Sorry just saw the latest thread. Ask to be seen by a different doctor or a consultant midwife. Mention Montgomery ruling, that should get their attention.

Original poster
emilybr · 21/09/2023 18:15

Tiredbehyondbelief · 21/09/2023 13:45

You have 3 options as outlined above. Ask the doctor to spell risks and benefits of every options and ask for time to think their answers over. It's always a good idea to bring a relative or a close friend along. Don't worry about asking silly questions, it's a big decision to make, no question is too silly when it comes to having a baby. Good luck

I just don't even know where to start.... :/

OP posts:
anicecuppateaa · 21/09/2023 18:26

Have you been tested for gestational diabetes? High fluid plus big baby so that’s an obvious cause…

Original poster
emilybr · 21/09/2023 19:23

anicecuppateaa · 21/09/2023 18:26

Have you been tested for gestational diabetes? High fluid plus big baby so that’s an obvious cause…

Yes I wrote in the first post I was overweight so I had to have the test

OP posts:
anicecuppateaa · 21/09/2023 21:19

emilybr · 21/09/2023 19:23

Yes I wrote in the first post I was overweight so I had to have the test

Show quote history

Sorry I didn’t make the connection that you would’ve automatically had the test. Assume it came back normal?

I had a baby measuring off the charts and had a c section at 38 weeks last year. He was 9lbs exactly. If your baby continues to measure 99th centile I would expect to be offered early induction or c section.

Original poster
emilybr · 21/09/2023 22:21

@anicecuppateaa sorry yes I should have written it. I'm a fat women so I think it's a risk factor of the baby being too big? The GD came back fine. I've put weight on in pregnancy but I wouldn't say too much after the first 16 weeks: midwife wasn't encouraging/offering after.

OP posts:
Tiredbehyondbelief · 22/09/2023 08:32

Hi there, I am sorry you are calling yourself a fat woman. You are a beautiful pregnant woman with addiction to food (very common these days). Yes, unfortunately your BMI puts you at risk of having a big baby. It also puts you at risk of having complications after Caesarean section. You are going to have another appointment with a doctor. They should offer you a choice between induction of labour and Caesarean. Listen carefully to their arguments and don't feel under pressure to make decision on the spot. Do you like reading? Why induction matters is a very short but very good book by Sara Wickham. As for your BMI it's never too late to adopt healthier habits. Try to go for long walks whenever you can, in all weathers. As for your overeating, I found Unwinding Anxiety by Dr Brewer the best book ever. His methods work for all sorts of bad habits. I am losing weight without feeling deprived or hungry. Don't beat yourself up over your weight. You can't change the past. But you can change the future. I hope it helps

SummerDayz63 · 22/09/2023 08:41

Is this measurement based on your size or average?

I have big babies. All have been off my personal growth chart (I’m 5 foot and slight).

you could measure big for the following reasons;

  • baby has long legs, long abdomen, big head and it’s thrown the measurements off
  • you have gestational diabetes - assume they’ve tested you, but if not request it.
  • you just grow big babies

Are you / can you switch to consultant led? They may not make a decision until 36 weeks. They do not like to do C-section before 39 weeks unless medical need. Early induction, I had one at 38 weeks but was medical need.

YouveGotAFastCar · 22/09/2023 08:43

This happened to me. At 26 weeks I was off the charts. I had all the talks about recommended induction at 39 weeks, etc. He was predicted to be 11lbs.

He was 7lbs. I was visited by a consultant and three of the sonographers who had done growth scans for us when I was in hospital - all said that they can be hugely inaccurate. Please don't stress too much.