I've been measuring big all along with this pregnancy and had a growth scan yesterday, at 37w5d. Baby is estimated to already weigh 8lbs 11oz, in the 95th percentile. (And she was estimated at 90th percentile at 30 weeks.) I have my OB appt tomorrow where we will discuss the results, but I am feeling a bit panicky at the idea of baby being close to 9 pounds with more than 2 more weeks until due date to continue growing! Her abdomen is measuring at 42+ weeks, so it looks like she's going to be a round one.
They did overestimate a bit with DD, so I know that these ultrasounds can be off, but I am feeling the urge to get things moving. Bring on the walking, sex, and spicy foods!
And then another part of me is like "Calm the eff down, woman, your body knows what it's doing...just be patient!" DD wasn't exactly tiny at 8.3lbs and I birthed her without the need for intervention. Anyone want to share their experience with expecting a big baby, and how it went for you?
Re: Big baby expected and a little worried (vent)
DS2 measured ahead my whole pregnancy. I carried him lower and bigger and was sure he was going to be bigger than his brother. Before his EDD one ultrasound tech told me there was no way I'd be able to birth him naturally, while another told me there was no way he'd be as big as his brother. I went to 42w and be was 8lbs9oz.
As you can imagine, I'm a little skeptical of the measurements... Believe me, I know all about being done in those last few weeks, so do all the spicy foods and such you want, but I wouldn't waste any headspace worrying about the baby's size. Good luck!
My little sidekick August 2010
Mr. Sunshine April 2012
DD2: Lucia (Lucy) 07/13
I am going through the same thing! I had a freak out over it a couple weeks ago, but I have come down and am just going to see what happens.
I was induced early with DS because of an abnormal NST (unnecessarily, IMO - but it was my first so I didn't know to say no, I was scared) from nothing and it was horrible. The induction started on a Monday and he wasn't born until Wed morning. I was only 38w 4d and he was 8lbs 14oz with an enormous head. I did have a vaginal delivery, so I was thankful for that, but swore I would never be induced again
DD was late and they pressured me to schedule an induction because she was looking big and I refused. SHe was born at 41w, 9lbs 7oz and delivery was a breeze. Three big pushes and she was out, my recovery was amazing - nothing like with DS
I know this baby is big and I was seriously considering induction if it came up this time around. My OB hasn't mentioned it but he has talked about this being a big baby. But I decided I am not going to worry about it. MAYBE if I am at or past my due date and have progressed, I will consider it.
I know it's a crazy time, you kind of want to be done being pg but want to have the best deliver possible. I want to do whatever will prevent me from having a cs. Good luck whatever you decide!
DS 3.12.08
DD 7.11.09
DD 8.01.13
Thanks! Good to hear that they often over-estimate and you had successful post due-date deliveries!
DD2: Lucia (Lucy) 07/13
My doctor is not big on interventions, so I am not anticipating him wanting to schedule an induction--at least not until after due date. He did mention stretching my membranes if I am at all dilated tomorrow. (I was firm and closed last appt) I'd really like to go into labor on my own, so I'm hoping he's on-board with waiting it out for now. My fluid is also on the lower end of normal so I'm sure he's going to take that into consideration, as well, though.
DD2: Lucia (Lucy) 07/13
You've done a vaginal birth before, so your chances are very good that you'll be able to birth a larger baby. Stay upright in labor as long as you can, and refuse those sizing ultrasounds! Good luck, you'll be fine!!
DS2 - Oct 2010 (my VBAC baby!)
One other thing I'll throw in. Because I was a VBAC we were limited on induction methods and I had to at least dilate enough to use a foley bulb induction or had to have a c section. The week I was checked Sun (in the hospital, spent the weekend being monitored) and was closed up tight, checked Monday (in the office) and still nothing. Tuesday night DH and I had sex and Wednesday at the office I was 3 cm! I was so relieved since had I still been closed up we likely would have had to just schedule a section.
My second was 10 lbs 10 oz and I didn't tear at all. Your body will grow the right sized baby for you. You can do this!