Trying not to freak out! But failing... Repost from Nov board

fierynut

Quick disclaimer - I know and am aware that ultrasound measurements are not exact and there is a margin of error. I am taking that into account.

Quick background - I have had 5 BPP in the last 7 weeks due to Pre-E (watching LOs growth and blood flow through his cord). I do not have GD (was tested 2x and passed the 3 hr with flying colors). At my first BPP at 32 weeks he was in the 90th percentile for size (large but no reason to be concerned off of one BPP), at my next BPP he was in the 80th percentile (still big but within acceptable limits). My 3rd BPP at 35 weeks he was estimated at 6lbs 6oz (I don't remember the percentile) still big but no cause for concern. At 37 weeks 4 days he was measuring back in the 90th percentile (8lbs 14oz). I was then sent to a new OB due to his size and my Pre- E. New doctor was not as concerned as my OB and said lets wait until Monday (this was last Thursday) and see repeat your NST (have those weekly for 7 weeks now) and the BPP. Well I went for my NST on Monday and LO is doing great but the hospital couldn't do my BPP until today (my doctor wanted it sooner but whatever) so today at 38 weeks 6 days LO is estimated at 10lbs 15oz (which is greater than 99th percentile).

Freak out - My LO is estimated to have grown by 2lbs in 9 days! Even with the 1lb margin for error in either direction that is still a huge growth in just over one week. My doctor and I have been discussing inducing me tomorrow after my appointment IF my cervix (which has been closed up tight) was more favorable. I can't help but worry about 1.) why did/is he growing/gaining so much so fast? Is there something wrong with my baby that dispite all the testing and watching of me and LO that we have undergone for the last 7 weeks they have missed? 2.) If he is that big (even taking into account a 1lb margin for error) how am I going to push him out? 3.) What if my cervix isn't more favorable? Will they try to induce and hope it works or because of his large size will they skip straight to c-section (which I am absolutely terrified of)?

I am trying to stay calm but it is really hard. I can't help but feel that something is VERY wrong for him to have grown so much in the last few weeks. The tech did call my doctor with a verbal report and was faxing the written report later today. (She said she had to notify him immediately because when LOs measure over the 90th percentile they have to notify the ordering Dr immediately) He told her to tell me he would see me tomorrow for my appointment as scheduled. I am freaking out! I know she wasn't supposed to tell me (per policy) that LO is so big (and now I have a better understanding WHY).. Anyone been in this boat? Any words of encouragement? Do you think it is possible to develope GD after passing the testing? I am grasping at straws and avoiding "Dr. Google" because I fear what I may find that will freak me out more...

amandajb1

I have no experience with this, but I would suggest just trying to relax. At this point nothing you can do will change what is going on. I would write a list of you questions down, like all of the ones you have posted to ask tomorrow. And try to enjoy what might be your last night being pregnant!

Good luck and I hope everything is okay.

XCrissCrossX

CHILL! I would bet that 9 days ago, LO was bigger than measured and today LO is smaller than measured.

I had a C-section because LO was measuring huge--10lbs 7oz. The doctor didn't want to try vaginal because of the risk of LO's shoulders getting stuck. I went with the flow because I was more afraid of ignoring medical advice and hurting the baby than I was of the c-section.

It's scary because it's new (I had never even had an IV prior to my c-section!) but it's not that bad. The thing I remember most was how cold I was-- the room is cold anyway and the meds make you colder. DH was up by my head the whole time and talking to him distracted me. I felt NOTHING -- not even tugging or pulling.

The healing wasn't fun but honestly the pain meds made me feel worse than the incision did. It was practically healed (on the outside) by the time I left the hospital.

There are moments when I'm sad I missed the natural birthing experience but there are also times I'm sad about other "missed experiences" in my life. Its something that happened that I can't change and I still got what I was going after. I have my baby and he's healthy.

GL momma!

mrsashkennedy

Here's my thoughts on this:

1. He's probably not that big, like pp said, probably larger than assumed last week and smaller this week. If he is big,

2. 9, 10, 11 lb babies are the norm for my birth center, which has a c-section rate of only 4%. 6, 7, 8 pound babies are SMALL there. It is a natural birth center, so there arent as many drugs to play a part in the whole cascade of intervention thing.

3. True shoulder dystocia is RARE (from my mw's, who hardly ever see it). Docs are "afraid" of it because of the ways they do things in hospitals. Sticky shoulders can often be undone with a change in position or some pelvic opening movements that use gravity and upright positions to dislodge shoulders. If your at a hospital, with a doc who doesn't want to let you try other positions, yeah they might jump straight to cutting. Especially if you have an epidural, they usually make you lay or semi-lay down. Being on your back decreases the size of your pelvic opening (specifically, the sacrum) by around 30%. Which is why with a big baby, sections are more likely in hospitals.

4. If I were you, I would try to deliver vaginally, with the thought that you might require a section. Just know that if you let them induce, you'll probably have to deal with more painful contractions, which may make you want an epidural, which might lead to an on your back delivery that gets difficult, requiring a c-section. If you truly want to avoid that, but need to induce, I would avoid the epi at all costs and insist on being able to try to labor in different positions, such as using a squatting bar, or a birthing stool, or even the toilet.

Try not to stress! I'm sure the actual size of the baby isn't to much to worry about. I just think it's important to know what you can do to avoid having to get a section. Remember, you can decline anything just because of size or something. Whatever it takes to get baby here safely, of course. But I think you should definitely be able to try vaginal if thats what you want and baby isnt having decels or distress. 

earlysun

My son was measuring at 7lbs at 33 weeks, and I have increased amniotic fluid. My fundal height was 45 when I went for my 34 week appointment yesterday. DS is also having difficulty figuring out where to lie...he won't stay  head down.

I'm having a scheduled c-section on December 9 if I don't go into labor on my own before then. I'm totally OK with it (after much thought and prayer). I have to do what's best for me and the baby. Healthy mom, healthy baby, right?

FWIW, I had intended on a natural birth with a doula. Maybe next time. 

Becky&Barrett

DS2 weighed in at 9lb10oz at birth. I was induced at 39 weeks and delivered him vaginally (with an epidural). I have very narrow hips! I would trust your body and let nature take its course

hillbillysunshine

The biggest thing you need to remember is THOSE ARE ESTIMATES!  My DD was estimated at 8lbs 14 ozs 4 hours before I delivered her.  She was born at 6lbs 3.8 ozs.  So to hell with the margin of error.  If they were suspecting something wrong, I think the docs would be talking to you about it.  Try to relax, and keep an open line of communication with your doctor.  Make sure to have frank discussions so your doctor knows your concerns, and so you know all the options and risks with those options.  I know it's really hard NOT to freak out but try to relax a bit.  GL.