Is induction at 38 weeks normal for a baby measuring large?

[MCMP13]

Had a growth scan at 36 weeks exactly and baby is measuring 8 pound 5 ounces. I am booked in again for a scan at 38 weeks and to meet with a consultant after. Midwife seems to think they will offer an induction due to size? Has anyone had this before or waited?

This is my second baby. I am very aware that scans can be inaccurate. I am low risk and no gestational diabetes. My first baby I had growth scans for and they were very accurate for him - he was almost 9lb as predicted but they never induced due to size. I know every pregnancy is different but just wondering if this is the norm? I feel 38 weeks is quite early.

I would very much agree that 38 weeks is very early for a baby that has no health issues - considering the pregnancy could naturally go to 42 weeks!

How do you feel about it? I hope they haven't given you the fear, people birth 'big' babies all the time - you already did!

*41 weeks

They usually use shoulder dystocia as the big 'risk' for 'large' babies. However induction is also associated with a risk of shoulder dystocia.

My gut would say that in an otherwise healthy/low risk pregnancy the risks of trying to force a baby out before it's ready outweigh the risks of birthing a baby that the NHS deems to be 'large'. (And might not even be)

Anecdotal but I had mine 9lb 10 at 41+5 at home in the pool and it was easier than my 8lb baby.

I was offered an induction at 38 weeks due to large baby on scans. The consultant scared me saying the baby would get stuck. I accepted the induction and it ended in an emergency c section

They have scared me a bit today with that scan. Baby has put weight on quickly compared to last scan - I don’t know if that is there concern. I will just make a decision at my next appointment but just wondering if other trusts offered induction this early for babies size. I obviously just want a healthy baby and it’s hard to know what to do when healthcare professionals tell you different things x

I was induced at 38 weeks for both my big babies. They were both predicted way over 9lbs. First was 8lb 13oz and second was 8lb 10oz. Both back to back (effaced??) vaginal births.

My eldest and my youngest both measured big right through both pregnancies and I wasn’t offered an induction for either.
They both arrived within a couple of days of their due date naturally and both very average sized.
Was told I’d be offered a sweep around 40 weeks with all three pregnancies but my midwife always stressed that it’s entirely optional and I never actually made it to my 40 week midwife appointment for any of them