Potentially large baby - off the charts.

[PipandBlossom]

I wondered if anyone else had experience of this?

This is my second pregnancy, my daughter was born at 37 weeks, after a failed induction and emc, at 8lbs13. Was advised to bring her early due to GD and suspected 11lbs full term weight.

Obviously, because of previous history I was given an early GTT and on a growth scan pathway. GTT at 24 weeks came back clear. After reduced movement (all fine) they moved my growth scan up.

They found that baby is off the charts large. I had a second GTT which was also clear.

Initially they were discussing an elective at 38 weeks due to the fact they thought I must be diabetic. I thought it was a definate, but no. Clear again. Now they're saying I could be induced at probably 39 weeks, or an elective at 39 or 40 weeks.

I am still testing two days a week, as per diabetic plan, and if that flags anything up plans will change in accordance.

I just feel really lost and in limbo. Last time, with the GD, everything was rushed and pushed through. Despite baby being significantly larger for gestational age because I don't have GD there's none of the urgency.

I am very greatful not to have GD (though I know the risk is still there for late development), but does anyone have experience of an off the charts baby? Especially without GD. I'm struggling with the pregnancy, I have SPD and am on crutches, my skin feels raw accross my tummy and the movements from baby are so pronounced they're painful.

I had gestational diabetes and was induced at 37 weeks because they believed my dd to be at least 11lb.

so I gave birth and she was was actually 7lb 😆

I had big ‘uns, but didn’t have GD. 10lb 2ozs and 9lb at 37 weeks. They thought DD was a whopper, also induced at 37 weeks and she was only 7lb, so they do get it wrong sometimes. She seemed tiny compared to my other two! I also had SPD with all three. You have my sympathies. Hospital were happy to induce me early because of the pain, so maybe try pushing for that. Good luck! x

It's virtually impossible to gauge the size / weight before birth, op.
I also was predicted a whopper on my third, and ended up with an 8 pounder.
The first two were much bigger, but went entirely unremarked 🤷🏻‍♀️
Seriously, just forget about it.

Who are “they” have you specifically spoken to the consultant about this?

How did the test for GD. The glucose tolerance test?

Can you start testing your bloods every day?

I'd rather avoid an induction if possible, we had a horrendous experience with first (nicu stay, sepsis, pneumonia - I am GBS+). I'd look to an elective which they are ok with.

Yes, so under the consultant. Last consultant I saw was very relaxed about it as I have no GD. Have had two GTTs, both well within the normal range for my trust. I can test everyday, but have been told there's no need by consultant and diabetic nurse as the GTT's are so accurate. If I start showing higher readings they will just immediately lut me on diabetic pathway fully.

I know it is not an accurate science but they were spot on last time, in fact a little lower. Estimated birth weight of 11lbs for daughter, born at 8lbs13 at 37.

This time baby is estimated at 12lbs.

I was told I had a big baby he was a very neat 7lb. I had 3 scans after 30 wks due to my age. I've no idea how they could've been so wrong re his size. I didn't have the right size clothes for him as a result. It all seemed very random tbh

I had extra growth scans and they predicted my babies weight pretty accurately, he was 9lbs 12oz and perfectly healthy. I had awful SPD too so you have my sympathy. Scans are renowned for being inaccurate though, and even if your baby is big, that does not mean there’s going to be issues after he is born. Best of luck with the rest of your pregnancy.

First baby was off the charts big after birth, fundal height was big during pregnancy but hadn't had growth scans so surprise. No GD.
GD checked second pregnancy, clear again. Had growth scans, estimated 11lbs but no talk of induction early etc.
Was born just under 11lbs.

My third baby was supposed to be 9lb3 and was actually 10lb5oz. I had a home birth and he was the first baby I didn't need to have stitches for, a much easier birth than his 8lb brother. He's still 98th centile, he's just tall and got a wide chest.

I've heard mixed reviews on growth scans. I didn't have big babies in fact the opposite but on my last I had a scan the day before I had her and their estimate was only 6 ounces out x

My first baby was 11lb 1ounce. I didn’t have GD and we didn’t have any warning of size. He ended up as an emergency section. The next two times baby was checked for size a lot and more GD tests but nothing, just the possibility of a large baby. Both came about 39 weeks at 9lb 2ounces. First baby was 42 weeks.

i had spd with last baby, I feel for you. It’s awful. If you’re worried about the size maybe ask for a section? I’ve had emergency section, v bac and planned (if unwanted) section and I don’t recommend any! Baby just has to get out safely, child birth is crap! Which you already know!

Growth scans can be notoriously inaccurate, however for my 3 they were correct.

First had been measuring off the charts and was induced at 39+6, which failed as he was totally stuck. He was 11lbs.

Second was measuring top of the charts, had an ELCS and she was 9lbs8oz at 39wks.

3rd measured middle of the charts and was 7lbs13oz at 39wks (also ELCS).

If you'd like a vaginal birth I don't think size on the scans alone should put you off (assuming clinically safe to try) but it is something to bear in mind I guess. Good luck, hope it all goes well.

You can always ask for an elective CS OP? You've got plenty of pain going on, a decent size baby predicted and I think it's absolutely reasonable to say that you'd like one and you'd like it before 40 weeks?

Mine, 9 months old now. I had GD but also have APS so she was delivered at 37 weeks, although I was measuring 43 on scans. I had a lot of scans and this was consistent from about 20 weeks. She weighed 8lbs. She’s still big, 95th centile. She’s in size 5 nappies and 12-18 month clothes. I’m not sure how much she weighs, she was 10kg a few weeks ago so definitely more than that now.

Her older brother was the same. I had a c section at 37 weeks with both.

Not me, but my friend's first baby was over 13lb. The consultant had been trying to push an induction, she didn't want this but didn't go into labour and was induced at 40 +10. Long labour, ended in emergency CS. Baby and mum fine but very stressful experience.

Second baby also predicted to be big, so she had an elective CS. Much, much better experience. Baby 11lb or so.

In your situation, especially with the discomfort and pain that you're in, I would be thinking about an elective CS tbh.