Big babies-induction or elective c sections?

[SophieRules]

Just wanted to hear your experiences/advice. Due to size of baby unlikely to be advised to let nature take its course, 97th percentile currently and being monitored.

I’ve had three big babies. Was induced with number 2, c-section with number 3.

My induction (which I chose over a c-section) was horrendous, took four days, several pessaries, a drip, waters broken by the dr, blood transfusion and an episiotomy.
Hence the elective c-section!

I’m 38+3 tomorrow and going in for an induction due to baby weighing 9lb at growth scan last week… so while I can’t add an experience just yet I’ll be following to read some or give mine when it happens 🙏🏻

My first DS was 9lb 6oz at 39 weeks, went naturally into labour, no epidural, forceps delivery due to baby in distress, no shoulder issues but I was TORN! Very painful recovery and lost a lot of blood so needed transfusions, hospital stay for a week.
Second DS was 10lb 7oz at 38 weeks, planned cesarean. Being honest, as painful and hard as my first birth was, I would still pick vaginal over section. I hated lack of skin to skin, the recovery was brutal with a toddler at home, I ended up pulling my stitches, and now I have the tummy pouch which I'm finding hard to deal with.
I don't think either is "easier" than the other. Just hard in very different ways! You need to think about what is best in the long run.
Can't comment on induction because I point blank refused both times.

Had an induction with my first (small) child, and then a labour that failed to progress for my (large) second child, ending in an emergency section. I would choose the section every time if I was to go through it again.

Have a look at the RCOG guidelines.

I had a section both times with my big baby’s. Both a great experience, unlike a previous poster I had immediate skin to skin straight after delivery. The theatre team were all super suppprtive of my birth preferences. No regrets at all

My son was measuring off the charts for his tummy and 99th for his head circumference. He popped out 9lbs 7oz. I had no intervention and a straight forward, fairly quick for a first birth labour. I got a second degree tear but kept on top of paracetamol and it healed nicely. I refused all induction and kept moving my ELCS until my waters broke naturally at 41+2

Unless you have another medical reason such as diabetes a large baby my understanding is that it doesn't mean you need a c section or induction (unless you want to of course).
Both of my babies were predicted to be ginormous and both came out normal sized. They both ended in EMCS but this was not to do with size and I'm glad I gave it a go.

My sister was induced (not for size, babe was ‘failing to thrive’). Three days of labor. I had two sections due to size (son was 10.4lbs at 37 weeks, DD just under 10lbs at 38). Section all the way.

Hello, my only advise to you is to go with what you want and follow your instincts. I’ve had 3 children who are now 17, 14 and 11. My first and third babies weighed 8lb 8oz and 8lb 12oz but my middle boy weighed 11lb 2oz! I had a very traumatic labour with him ( he was delivered vaginally) labour lasted 3 days , whereas my other two only 6 hours. The midwives did not know he was so big( despite me saying in the 3rd trimester to my midwife that I was struggling with walking and breathing- was admitted to A&E at one stage due to breathlessness and dizziness- they just brushed my concerns aside and said he’d be about the size of my first born. When I became pregnant with my 3rd, I was so terrified I’d have another huge baby ( GP said could be even bigger) I asked for a c- section- I know from friends who had a c- section how difficult it was both physically and emotionally for some of them but after the birth of my big boy, I could not stand, walk without help, climb the stairs, or step into the bath and had black and blue bruising in the insides of my thighs and other places! This lasted for a couple of weeks once I got home. My mental health took a nose dive too. I found it difficult to hold him. 😞
The consultant told me despite the size of my baby, I “proved I could give birth naturally” so he would not allow a c- section. The fact I’d had severe postnatal depression afterwards didn’t seem to be an issue for him either. This was 14 years ago though and I hope attitudes have changed.
The fact that you and the midwives know you are expecting a big baby is a positive, and because you know this you can request pain relief early - if you choose. For my third, I requested an epidural when I was 3 cms dilated to take away the fear factor( they reluctantly gave me an epidural at 9cms with my 11lb 2oz bubba and thank goodness I they did!) However, if you feel you would prefer a c- section speak to one of the medical team and weigh up your options. My other 2 births were great and my not so great birth could have been good too if they knew the size . My big baby, now 14, is 6 ft already which comes in handy for reaching the high shelves- I’m 5ft 3 😄
Good luck with everything . X

Just to add another perspective. My second was 10lb 9, we didn't know as he'd been measuring pretty standard throughout. At home g&a waterbirth with no tears or stitches. I'm 5ft3 and small lol. Was a positive experience, I went at 40+11 naturally.

Tbh because of risks, if i had known I would have gone into hospital but still pushed for the waterbirth, ot really helped.

Same here. Elective Caesarean was absolutely amazing rather than vaginal birth ,I recovered so soon and could sit down without feeling uncomfortable 6 weeks later!!