Baby measuring big - any experiences?

[Bellebg]

Our baby has been measuring in between 95-98th centile in all of our growth scans. I’m currently 33 weeks and as of yesterday he was still 97th percentile.

I’m so aware that these scans are not always accurate and can be 20% out but also conscious someone has to have the ‘big’ babies! He’s currently growing at rate that would put him at 10lbs 5oz by 40 ish weeks.

I find I’m thinking about it a lot and wondered whether anyone had any experiences they could share of delivering a larger baby?

I know there’s risks of any type of birth but want to make the best informed decision I can. Any stories most appreciated! Thanks so much

My only experience of this was my daughter, my granddaughter also measured at the 97th percentile right the way through but her actual birth weight was just under 7 lb so turned out fine! Baby was born three days late and labour was quite short, an easy delivery!

Probably best not to worry too much at this stage and hope for the best!

With DS1 I was told at 36 weeks he was measuring big and that if he were born "tomorrow" would likely be at least 8lb. He was born at 36.3 and 7lb 5oz.

I was also advised DD was measuring big. She was born at 41.5 and was 8lb 13oz.

I'd keep an open mind and perhaps note that you are up for trial of labour if indications are that the baby is under 9lb 7oz. Otherwise I'd have an elective Caesarean.

It's so difficult, with DD1 I was told on my due date that she was measuring 7lbs 6, she was born five days later weighing 7lbs 4, then with DD2 I was told she would be a 9lber plus, and she was born at 39+5 at 7lbs 10, friends of mine however have had the opposite, told baby would be 8lbs and they were more than 10lbs. All you can do is consider options, weigh up the risks, speak to the consultants and make a decision that feels right for you

My youngest son was 11lb 8 at birth. Vaginally delivered and no tears! Easier birth than my eldest by far. Also was told he "might be over 9lbs" in advance of birth..

I've just had this with my second DD (now 4 months old). I was told all pregnancy she was measuring large and that she'd be over 10lbs if I went full term. I also had polyhydrominos and that I should decide between induction of labour or a planned C-section. I ended up opting for the section as the risk of an emergency one was very high anyway. She was born at 39 + 5 days at 9lbs 5ozs so my scans were pretty accurate! I found the section a wonderful experience - very calm and peaceful. Recovery wasn't anywhere near as bad as I thought either. For comparison, my first DD was a vaginal birth and born a teeny 5lbs 3ozs but, whilst fast, was very traumatic delivery. I've been told bigger babies can be easier to deliver (not sure how true that is!!). I think have a good chat with your consultant and midwife and weigh up pros and cons 😊 xx

No science behind my research (lacking as it is!) but I have never known one of those growth scan predictions to be right. Ever. Not even close, for any of the women I know who’ve told me about them, myself included in that!
My eldest was 9lb8 at 39+5, and was told he’d be between 7 and 8lbs.