C Sec or Induction for predicted big baby (10/11lbs)

[PockerMaus]

Hi guys

I finally managed to get my growth scan after being referred three times and it be cancelled each time. I was 36 weeks on the dot and they estimated him to be about 8.10lbs at present so predicted to be around 10/11lbs full term.

I know growth scans aren't necessarily accurate however I was a large baby (10.10lbs 3 weeks early) and my brothers were both big too so it didn't particularly surprise me, plus my bump is measuring above the 97th percentile too

I have been tested for GD and that came back negative.

The consultant is going to book in another scan at 38 weeks but basically said we were looking at either a planned CS or early induction.

Just wondering if anyone was in a similar situation and how it turned out? I'm not against a planned C Sec necessarily, the idea of being in theatre does scare me a bit but if it's the best way to get him out I will just get on with it. My biggest fear with an induction is him getting stuck and ending up with an emergency C Sec anyway which I imagine is a lot more traumatic than a planned one.

Just after some advice really and other people's experiences with predicted big babies :)

I had a similar dilemma with my eldest. Was referred for growth scans after every MW appointment as bump was very small, but the scans suggested he was massive. C-section was advised but I was keen to avoid this, so went for induction at 39 weeks. The induction and delivery were fine - although he did turn out to be 7lb 14, so hardly enormous! Have had two subsequent inductions for other reasons and they have also been positive experiences, just to add some balance to the horror stories in case that’s what you choose to go for.

Just in case you aren’t aware, it doesn’t just have to be a choice between c section or induction. I was quite clear I wanted a c section at 6 weeks pregnant. I’ve never fancied giving birth the other way, even before life narrowed my options!

Ultimately, it’s up to you - you have the right to choose how you give birth. Don’t let anyone dissuade you if you’ve made your decision.

Hi all just an update ..

Had 38 week scan. Baby still measuring large but not crazy numbers. The EFW was about 3800g which when I convert it myself is about 8.4lbs whereas last scan he was 3600g however on the screen I'm pretty sure it said higher than 8.4lbs so a bit confusing. I asked the consultant what the lb conversions were and she didn't know!

He's now measuring on the 97th percentile. Consultant wants to test me for GD again so has given me a pack to do finger prick tests for a week & basically gave me two options or 'recommendations' depending on result:

If GD comes back positive, early induction at 39-40 weeks due to risk of shoulder dystocia.

If GD comes back negative, I can still have the induction or she would be happy to let me go full term.

She was very reluctant about the c section and said that early induction doesn't increase the risk of c section but does increase the risk of interventions such as forceps.

The talk about shoulder dystocia has really made me worry. This alone makes me want to request a c section to eliminate that risk.

I've been given a week to have a think and come back with a choice next Friday but I just feel a bit lost!

Well, she can't refuse you a section really, I think. If you end up having GD, and you want to avoid induction, you can legitimately request a section and if she doesn't agree, you can ask for a consultant who will!

But hopefully you dont have GD! They were convinced I did but the only 'evidence' of it was a large baby - mine was 9lb 6oz delivered around 39 weeks, though i think he would have been well overdue if he'd been left alone. But 8.4lbs isn't actually that big, I thought they had to be over 9lbs to be clinically classed as large?

Also, a friend of mine just had a 10lb 1pz baby with no intervention/induction or anything. If you want to go to full term, with no evidence of GD, do it!

Honestly, neither. But if I HAD to pick id pick C Section. I do not know a single person who has a good induction story. I do not say that to scare you but that's what I have to make my decision on and that's how I'd decide.

Hi, my first baby was 10lbs 10ozs at 41 weeks. I had gone with a midwifery led unit and was told I'd have a nice 7 pounder all the way through the pregnancy. His head was the 100 centile! I ended up with an emergency c-section, followed by a pph and needed a b-lynch Suture to stop the bleed. Had 2 scheduled c-sections on later pregnancies. Would recommend you go for the scheduled c section. Planned ones very calm and controlled, and for me the recovery was absolutely fine on all three.
Best of luck whatever you decide.