Need Happy "Big Baby" Stories

PineApple85

Alright, y'all. I don't know if anyone remembers me but I was a semi-regular poster until the 3rd tri and then I have been mostly lurking since then - just been super busy.

Here's my predicament - I'm 41+1 and I just had an ultrasound and some other things checked. Everything looks great - fluid, heartbeat, etc. BUT he's measuring big (10 lbs 14 oz) which, while intimidating, didn't strike me as a huge red flag. My midwife is acting like this is a huge deal and saying that the overseeing OB has to sign off on it due to risk of shoulder dystocia. It is my personal opinion, as well as the OB's, that he is actually around 10 lbs.

I would still like to try for a vaginal delivery. Am I crazy? Not aware of all of the risks?

@lissydee‌ I would love your opinion in particular. I am attempting med-free. Thanks, ladies!

marajay6

I vaginally delivered a 9lb 10oz baby. There were no complications due to size. I never had a growth scan so I was completely surprised by how big my baby is. Being naive to the baby's size saved me from having to go through the worry that you are now in. I am not sure what I would have done if I had known that he was big and could cause complications.

It did take 1 hour and 40 minutes to push him out. I had an epidural, so no advice on going med free. I ended up with fairly significant tearing and lots of stitches but healing well.

babysis013

My mother-in-law gave birth to my husband 32 years ago vaginally, without medication and he came out 11 lbs. 9 oz. 23.5" long.  She said it wasn't a problem at all.  And he stretched out huge on her chest afterwards almost like an, "ahhhh!  I finally have room".  They said it was adorable.

PineApple85

@lissydee‌ DS1 was 9 lbs 1 oz. I pushed for 15 mins and had no problems with delivery at all. The OB did appear significantly more comfortable with a section.

hiketheworld

I know you want positive stories, but I only have my own birth and the horrible experience of a friend (LOSS MENTIONED below). I would say, there are both positive and negative experiences. The risks of shoulder dystocia are real and in my opinion shouldn't be overlooked. Weigh your risks and make your decision 

I was a just under 10lbs (not first baby) and my mom birthed me med-free. However, the birth did get scary and she required both an episiotomy and the use of forceps. I turned out just fine!  

 

A friend had a large (first) baby that did get stuck after the head was delivered vaginally. An episiotomy and forceps delivery failed, resulting in an emergency c-section. The baby unfortunately did not survive birth. Had they started with a c-section, it would've survived. 

Curlyfries851

Last week, Just before I went into labor, an u/s put my LO @95th %. Midwife was still on board with vaginal birth. Turns out he was only 9lb 5 oz. I birthed him vaginally and drug free, but had an episiotomy. I'm still alive and baby came out with apgars of 9&10. You can do it!

PineApple85

All stories are helpful. Ultimately I want to make an informed decision and you're absolutely right, @hiketheworld‌ that the risks are real. I'm completely shaken up as I've had a very uneventful two pregnancies and wasn't expecting anything like this. I just want to do what's right for DS2.

PineApple85

lissydee said:

well you have a proven pelvis.  One that has already birthed a larger baby.  And in general, 2+ babies are bigger and birthed easier.  So you have many things going in your favor.  And there have been babies bigger than 10, 11lbs that have been birthed successfully.

That is how I felt until they (the MW and OB) acted as concerned as they did. It just has me second guessing myself. Thanks!

sparklingwhit

My baby was a little 8 pounder, but my gma is 4'10 and had a non-medical, vaginal delivery of an 11 lb boy back in the day. She said it was the easiest delivery of all 3 of her babies (all over 9 lbs). She was, of course, trying to calm me down after the doc told me that Cam was measuring 8 lbs at 35 weeks. BTW...that was NOT accurate and they rarely are

soulcupcake

This is a great site:

https://bigbabyproject.wordpress.com/

kikimeemee

I'm petite (5' 2" and short waisted) and my baby came out 9 lbs 9 oz. I delivered her vaginally and she was face-up ("OP" as the nurse and doctors told me). None of us had any idea the baby would be that big but large babies do run in my family.

Best wishes on your bambino! We will be pulling for you!

Rhall2088

Some peopl can give birth to a baby that big just fine and others can't! My first son was 9 pounds even. I pushed for an 1hour and 45minutes. He got stuck twice and my ob panicked as she was trying to rip him out of my body! He was born so blue he was black and had to be on a breathing machine and had to have his stomach pumped due to I wasn't able to physically push him out. He has respiratory problems now. I had 3rd degree tears and I have emotinal issues with his birth. I had a lot of nightmares and when he gets sick I start getting the nightmares again. If the ob thinks you can push out that big of a baby then go for it.