Birth Stories

"Big" baby Vaginal birth stories??

Hi everyone, I'm currently 39+3 and my docs are starting to push for induction due to the baby measuring about 8lbs 14 oz. They have me very nervous about being able to have a vaginal birth due to the size of the baby. Have any of you given birth vaginally to a baby over the "average" size? I'm really hoping their estimates are off, but I need some positive stories right now.
«1

Re: "Big" baby Vaginal birth stories??

  • I deliveries my son 8lbs 6oz vaginally med free. It's do-able. They did cut me because his head was HUGE. But it's better than a tear.
    Also my mom delivered me vaginally med free and I was 10.
    If your not wanting to be induced then tell them you want to wait
  • Loading the player...
  • Thanks ladies! I'm hoping for a similar experience. They really do know how to get the mind working against you in all of this. I can completely see how so many women just agree with the recommendations and get induced or go with the c/s. So many women I saw in the dr office waiting room were talking about their scheduled inductions or c/s, I felt like I was the only one not doing that. Seems crazy to me!!!!
  • DD #1 was 9lbs 1 oz. DD #2 was 9lbs even, but a week early. I delivered them both vaginally. I was induced both times but it was not bc of size. I had no problem delivering either baby. Last week my current baby's estimated weight at 38+ weeks was 8.5 oz. so it's looking like he will be another 9+ lbs baby too.
    BFP #1: 11/19/08 DD born 07/23/09 ~ BFP #2 :3/15/11 Natural MC 3/30/11 - 4/13/11~ BFP #3: 10/4/11 DD #2 born 06/09/12 ~
    BFP #4: 08/07/13 EDD 4/18/14

    Pregnancy Ticker
  • My baby was 9# 13 oz. Vaginal pain med free induction. It's certainly possible! I asked dh when we could have the next one two weeks after he was born
  • Thanks for the stories ladies! I'm still eagerly awaiting LO's arrival and let the docs know I'm not comfortable with the induction. My official due date is the 22nd, so hopefully she'll make her debut soon!
  • My son was born at 40w 6d  and was 9lbs 5oz with a 15" head.  He was a med-free vaginal birth.  I did end up tearing but healed without stitches.  I probably tore because he was also born with his arm around his head.

    Good luck!! :-)
  • Thanks for the stories and reassurance! I'm 40W +1 today and getting more worried about my upcoming dr appt this Thursday if she doesn't come before then. I really wanted to avoid induction and especially a c/s....and I'm afraid an induction would lead to the c/s. I'm starting to feel some light cramping the past few days, so praying I'll be able to do this without interventions!!
  • A good friend of mine delivered a 10lb 1 oz baby vaginally.  She was 40w 4 days.  They did induce her.  She was very lucky. Given pitocin at 11:00 am and delivered at 6:00 pm.  She only pushed for 20 minutes.  Good luck!
    Me 35, DH 36
    TTC summer 2008
    Diagnose me. DOR, DH perfect
    IUI # 1 6/2010, BFN
    IUI # 2 8/2010, BFN
    IVF # 1 10/2010 Canceled poor response
    IVF 1.2 12/2010 BFP! mc 6 weeks 2 days
    Mental health break for 10 months
    IVF # 2 10/2011 BFN
    IVF # 3 5/2012 BFP! 10 eggs retrieved (best ever)
    7 fertilized transferred 3
    Beta #1 14dpo - 72, Beta #2 17dpo 145 Beta 3 20dpo 521
    First u/s June 15 saw HB 126 bpm missed m/c 7/5/12 10 weeks D&C 7/6/12
    IVF#4 ER 9/30 ET 10/3 Beta 10/16 BFFN. IVF #5 final with o/e. ER 1/21 only 1 retrieved, hoping my lonestar is the one. Beta #1 2/6/13 = 209.... please let this be it! Keep growing lonestar! Beta #2 2/8/13 - 586! , Beta #3 2/10/13 = 1898. First u/s perfect little heart beat at 116 bpm. Measure 6 weeks 1 day. EDD 10/14/13
    3/4/13 measuring right on track beautiful heartbeat 171 bpm, graduated from RE to OB... bittersweet.
    PAIF/SAIF always welcome! Its a girl! 

    Maggie Grace is here!  10/5/13... 8lbs 6 ounces of pure joy!

    TTC#2  No birth control since DD was born.  Getting ready to jump back in the saddle.  Weaning this month. RE
    appt scheduled 5/8.   Here we go again!

    IFV# 6.  10/27  6 retrieved 4 mature 3 fertilized.  2 made it to 3dt 10/30. 1"very pretty 8 cell" and 1 6 cell.  Beta
    11/13.   Please stick embies!!!!  We love you so much already! 11/12/14  POAS, BFP... beta tomorrow!
    11/13 beta #1  924!!!  2nd bet 11/15 1906, one more on 11/17 3rd & final beta 3430.  First u/s 12/5, 7w4d, 2 heartbeats,
    both measuring right on track....2nd u/s... all is well... both beans measuring right on track... released from RE... first
    appointment with MFM 1/5.  Looks like this is really happening!

    image




  • Good for you for standing your ground, suspected 'big baby' is not a reason to induce unless there are other factors at play such as GD or something.  These weight estimates can be off by as much as a pound at the end, so I wouldn't put much faith in them.

    DS was 8lb12oz with a head in the 75%.  He was born med-free and I had him out in 2 pushes.  I did have a second degree tear, but nothing major.  You can do it mama!
  • Thanks again everyone! The stories definitely help! Still nothing so we'll see how my appt goes tomorrow.
  • My DD was born 41w2d after being induced. She was estimated to be about 10lbs, she was 8lbs5oz. After the doctors telling me I was going to have a big baby and that I would go early, I just stopped beleiving what they were saying.
    Wedding 08/08/08

    BFP #1 12/29/10 EDD 08/29/11 Blighted Ovum 02/09/11 D&C 02/11/11

    Clomid 50mg BFP #2 09/21/11 EDD 05/29/11 Chemical Pregnancy 10/4/11

    BFP #3 4/19/13 Beta1- 106 Beta2- 524 Beta3- 3500 EDD 12/22/13 LO born 12/31/13

  • My DD was born 41w2d after being induced. She was estimated to be about 10lbs, she was 8lbs5oz. After the doctors telling me I was going to have a big baby and that I would go early, I just stopped beleiving what they were saying.
    This is about where they're now estimating my baby to be. I'm scheduled now for next Monday night, which will put me right at 41W. I'm praying I go before then this weekend though. I'm so uncomfortable at this point, I don't know how she's not ready to come out yet. Still no signs of labor....I was about 50% effaced and absolutely no dilation yet as of yesterday.
  • Ok, starting to really freak out about being induced tomorrow night. At my last NST last Thursday all was fine with me and the baby. We put the induction on the calendar more as a place holder, but now I'm hesitant about this decision. I'll be 41w on Tuesday. Should I wait it out another few days? I feel like everyone around me including family and the doctors are pushing for the induction!!
  • It is your decision! If you don't feel comfortable with it, and everything still looks good and healthy, talk to your doctor about waiting a few more days. Try not to let your friends and family influence your decision! I had my induction at 41+4 and do not regret waiting, in fact I wish I could have waited another day or 2. But I felt like I gave my baby and my body the best chance I could to go on my own with the information I had at the time.

    Did your doctor talk to you about your bishop score?
  • I can't speak to having a large baby but I can speak to how horrible pitocen is. I was laboring naturally on my own and was fine until they decided to start the pitocen. The second they started it in my IV my contractions became 20 times worse and I am not exaggerating. I will be avoiding induction like the plague with this pregnancy, of course unless it is absolutely necessary.
  • My first was born at 36 weeks and he was 5 lbs and 15 ounces and my second was almost 42 weeks and he was 9 lbs 2 ounces and to 100% honest there wasn't the slightest difference in giving birth to them.  They were both 100% natural.  You CAN do it!!

    Baby Birthday Ticker Ticker

    Baby Birthday Ticker Ticker


    BabyFruit Ticker

  • I agree with PP. Unless there are medical reasons you shouldn't go for induction unless YOU are comfortable with it. I have heard being induced creates a more painful labor.

    Ta G.  | First time mom | Married: 9.4.2013

  • Also have you done massaging? You don't have to share here if you don't want to, but there are other ways to prepare for labor.

    Ta G.  | First time mom | Married: 9.4.2013

  • @Jennoskcaj are you comfortable? Is baby in distress?
    If all is well then no need to induce.

    Ta G.  | First time mom | Married: 9.4.2013

  • JennoskcajJennoskcaj member
    edited May 2014
    Hi everyone, just wanted to check back in on this thread. I wound up going in for the induction on 4/28 and started with the cervical catheter. That was a long, painful night and got me to about 2 cm. after that, they started me on pitocin, but I didn't respond at all to it and I wound up going back to only 1cm dilated and the baby still hadn't dropped. I was being induced for more than 24 hours and started feeling like this wasn't going to work and I was just putting myself and my baby at unnecessary risk with the pitocin so I reluctantly opted for the c-section. The c/s experience was absolutely a nightmare. I had a terrible reaction to the spinal and I didn't get to see or hold my baby for more than 3 hours. She was born healthy though at 23 1/4" long and 9lbs 9oz. I'm not happy about the experience, but I'm glad she's healthy and the birth was without any major complications. At the time of the decision, the doc expressed to me numerous times about her concerns for risking still birth if we waited and shoulder dyscotia if we attempted the v-birth. I know the whole situation wasn't ideal, but I've tried to put it behind me and just focus on my new baby. I cried when I watched the video because I felt like I missed the whole thing and couldn't be there for my LO when she first entered the world. I just try to tell myself I made the right decision. Whether or not I'll ever really believe that....probably not. Thanks for all the words of wisdom though. The support was definitely needed.
  • agp24agp24 member
    I am two days past my due date and surprise! I was told today that I'm going to be scheduled for a c-section this coming Tuesday because the baby is 9 lbs 14 oz!!! I was looking forward to vaginal delivery but that won't be the case. I'm a little bit scared but I just want my baby to be healthy. Good luck to everyone :)
  • I'm 38+5 and was told just by feeling my stomach that she was about 8lbs. It freaked me out a little, but I'm not sure how accurate just feeling on the outside is. Hopefully it's not too bad/scary. I don't wanna be induced either!
  • Baby came the day after his due date vaginally and med free. He was 9 lbs. 6 oz. and 20.5 inches long. He was difficult to push out but we made it through just fine.
  • Baby came the day after his due date vaginally and med free. He was 9 lbs. 6 oz. and 20.5 inches long. He was difficult to push out but we made it through just fine.
  • My daughter was born at 38 weeks, 5 hour labor and a half of a push. No tearing, easy peasy. She was 9lb 8oz 20 inches long. Just because they are big doesn't mean they don't come out quick and easy ;)
    Lilypie Fifth Birthday tickers Lilypie Third Birthday tickers
    BabyFruit Ticker
  • I delivered my 10 pound DD vaginally and pain-med free at 41weeks, 4 days. I only pushed for an hour and honestly felt like that was the least painful part of labor. I did tear badly but it was due to her position (nuchal arm) more than her size. Also, the Dr estimated she would be an 8 pounder...weight estimates can be off by up to two pounds in either direction!
  • My first son (born 12 years ago) was 8 lbs 12oz. I was induced at 42 weeks because I was showing no signs of labor at all (no effacement, not even BH contractions). The delivery was very fast. Maybe too fast. I think I was given too much pitocin because he got overstressed, pooped in the womb & had very faint heartbeat & wouldnt breathe at first :(
    But he did plop right out real quick, almost effortlessly. I tore but only enough for 3 stitches which healed fast.
    Not sure about your body frame but me Im 5'8" tall with 38" hips & 26" waist..so I have big hips naturally already, it may be how/why he wasnt so hard to get out?
  • Did have a Csec but playing devil's advocate for some of the above. I was induced at 39 weeks with my first. She was measuring large, 9-10. Was in labor for 12 hours with pitocin. I only got to 3 cm and they broke my water to see if labor would get going. I had a lot of very painful contractions that did nothing. She just wasn't ready. Finally ended up with a Csec 24 hours after they broke my water due to infection risk. They were guessing at her size before the surgery. Doctor said 8 pounds or so. She came out a whopping 11.1 pounds. Looked like a 4 month old! Sometimes those ultrasounds are off and the babies are small. Sometimes they are off and the baby is larger. I did not have gestational diabetes.
  • DH was born in a natural vaginal delivery and weighed right at 11 lbs. They had no idea he was so big - his mom didn't have ultrasounds and didn't gain very much weight, she is a small frame. He was her 3rd baby and her only natural birth, and she says it was by far her easiest and most enjoyable experience. No tearing, no issues, and she went to the mall the next day. 


    BabyFetus Ticker
  • My son was 8lbs 12oz. I was induced (pre e) and it was long (30 hours) but I did it.

    Side note: My mother was a tiny thing and she gave birth to me. I was 9lbs 8oz.
    Married: August 2008
    DS born: February 2013
    TTC #2: Nov. 14
    Chemical pregnancy 09/16/15
    BFP: 12/25/15 EDD: 09/04/16
  • I was induced at 40+3 for being past my due date, and raised BP. Baby was measuring 100% average the entire pregnancy. Always in the 50th percentile, but my Dr. still ordered a late term size ultrasound (which also measured her 50th percentile)
    She ended up being 8lbs 15 oz, & was rocking the 90th percentile. I pushed for 2 hours & ended up with a episiotomy.


    My sister had a similar story with her first, although her baby always measured large. He was born (via induction & 2.5 hours of pushing) at 10lbs & 5 oz. 3rd degree tearing.

    Her next baby was born on his due date, no induction and he came out with 4 pushes. 12 lbs 2 oz. less tearing than with the first.
    BabyFetus Ticker

    Baby Birthday Ticker Ticker
  • My DD was 8lbs 2oz, which to my doctor seemed big for my size (short/skinny, only gained weight in my bump). She never pushed for induction before 41wks. But DD came at 40 wks exactly so I didn't have to worry about induction. I delivered vaginally with an epi. I pushed for an hour 'cause her head was huge, but my total labor was only 8hrs. I had a 3rd degree tear which is annoying to recover from, no other issues.
  • My LO was 9lbs15oz. I pushed like an hour maybe 2. With every push my Dr put a cream on that the midwives showed him and I didn't tear. This was the easiest healing I have had. My other 2 children 8.6 and 7.4 and it took me for ever to heal.
  • My son was 9 lbs 7 oz, 23 inches long with a head circumference of 39.5 cms ! My labor was 8.5 hours long. They ended up breaking his collar bone to get him out and gave him some nerve damage up the left side of his neck and face(it's all fixed now though). So I'm wondering how big his brother will be !
  • Latina211508Latina211508 member
    edited July 2015
    I'm only 5'1 and have always been pretty petite. I gave birth to my 3 children vaginally. I had a epi. with my first and my other 2 I didn't have any pain medication. I gave birth to my first at 40+4, he was 8.2. My daughter was born at 40+1 and she was 8.1 but I asked to be induced with her. Because I knew I would have another big baby. My youngest daughter was 40+5 and was 7.12 1/2. I also asked to be induced with her and Drs said she would have been over 8lbs as well. I'm pregnant withy fourth and hoping I don't have another big baby. I just have big babies. All my deliveries were only 2-3 hours each. I tore a little with my first naturally but not with my other two babies.
  • 8.5 lbs for my baby I had to had forceps because he was too big. But hey I am fine :)
  • Hi everyone, just wanted to check back in on this thread. I wound up going in for the induction on 4/28 and started with the cervical catheter. That was a long, painful night and got me to about 2 cm. after that, they started me on pitocin, but I didn't respond at all to it and I wound up going back to only 1cm dilated and the baby still hadn't dropped. I was being induced for more than 24 hours and started feeling like this wasn't going to work and I was just putting myself and my baby at unnecessary risk with the pitocin so I reluctantly opted for the c-section. The c/s experience was absolutely a nightmare. I had a terrible reaction to the spinal and I didn't get to see or hold my baby for more than 3 hours. She was born healthy though at 23 1/4" long and 9lbs 9oz. I'm not happy about the experience, but I'm glad she's healthy and the birth was without any major complications. At the time of the decision, the doc expressed to me numerous times about her concerns for risking still birth if we waited and shoulder dyscotia if we attempted the v-birth. I know the whole situation wasn't ideal, but I've tried to put it behind me and just focus on my new baby. I cried when I watched the video because I felt like I missed the whole thing and couldn't be there for my LO when she first entered the world. I just try to tell myself I made the right decision. Whether or not I'll ever really believe that....probably not.

    Thanks for all the words of wisdom though. The support was definitely needed.

    Just wanted to say I'm so sorry this happened this way for you :-/
  • Just wondering - I read that if you have an episiotomy it's better than tearing. Why is this? What is the difference between the pain that you feel ? I'm so nervous about tearing / stitches. I want to deliver naturally but fear an 'emergency' episiotomy (or tearing) without any numbing to the area first.
  • kitteh81kitteh81 member
    edited January 2016
    Actually, everything I have read says the opposite--that natural tearing is better than episiotomy.
    "Most current research supports prevention and minimising ‘perineal trauma’, whether referring to tearing or to episiotomy.
    The consensus is that tears heal much faster than an episiotomy.
    There is much less risk of infection and less blood loss with a tear compared to an episiotomy.
    The risk with an episiotomy, versus allowing a woman to tear, is that the incision itself can tear and become larger, and extend to the rectum.
    Vaginal deliveries with episiotomy have statistically higher rates of 3rd or 4th degree perineal tears than those without episiotomy, even in critical conditions such as shoulder dystocia or occiput-posterior labors (ie, labours where the baby is said to be ‘stuck’ or ‘back to back’). (Steiner et al., 2012)

    Here's a brief article about it from the Mayo Clinic
    https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/labor-and-delivery/in-depth/episiotomy/art-20047282
Sign In or Register to comment.
Choose Another Board
Search Boards
"
"