Big Baby Advice needed. FTM or STM please.

alkinney

I am 6' tall and my husband is 6'5" (both strong athletic builds), so when we got pregnant I was pretty much expecting a larger baby.  We both weighed about 8.5 lbs. at birth.

I am 36 weeks pregnant, with 3 weeks to go until my medical induction at 39 weeks (GD and BP)

I was diagnosed with GD at 28 weeks, and have kept my sugars fairly controlled with diet, exercise and some meds.  She has been measuring long the entire pregnancy, however today the growth scan indicated she had grown a TON.  My Dr. said I officially have a big baby. 

They estimate her length in 99th percentile, head size in 96% and abdomen in 95%.  Weight is estimated at 7 lb., 9 oz. 

Here is where I would love some advice.  I LOVE my Doctor very much.  I trust her, and she has been incredible the entire pregnancy.  She started talking about how much higher my chance of c-section will be, and said that in 2 weeks when we do another scan she was going to show me some statistics that might make me lean towards that.  I was kind of surprised.

I did stand my ground, though, and told her that while I know I have a higher chance of a cs with a GD baby, I want to 100% try vaginally first.  I understand she won't let me push for over 2 hours and she won't use forceps/vacume (in case her shoulders would break), but I want to give it a try.  I also pointed out that the u/s can be way off and that I wouldn't change my mind unless she was in distress.  I told her that my whole life I have expected a big baby, and 8.5 lb - 9 lb just doesn't sound that bad to me.  I've had 34 years to prepare for that mentally, and it just doesn't make me want to stress and commit to a c-section.

She seemed ok with it, but I"m anticipating a little more discussion in 2 weeks.

I'd love to hear some success stories or get some support in my decision.  I know many of you have gone through this as well.  Thank you so much!!!

 

JNicMTek

It took 3 hours, but I was able to have a vaginal delivery, and thankfully the place I was having DD1 they never even mentioned a c section in that time. DD1 was 8lb 8oz, 21inches. They say the subsequent children tend to be bigger, so I'm anticipating another somewhat larger baby this time too.

Go with your gut. I really believe that most babies are grown to a size the mother can handle. Yes, there are always exceptions, but for me, I'd try vaginally first no matter what any scan says.

heatherom

I think you sound confident and that's the key. It would be a different story if you were some tiny 4'10" woman with small hips but it sounds like you probably have the bone structure to handle a baby this size. I say this because it was literally the FIRST thing said to me by a midwife at my first prenatal appointment when I found out I was pregnant. She kind of measured my hips with her hands, felt around and said that I have good childbearing structure. I imagine your body can handle it, too.

I was worried about having a big baby too because my father's side of the family is Norweigan and every single one of them is over 6' tall, including my 83 year old grandmother who is 6'-2". They all have ginormous heads, too. (LOL) My BF is pretty tall, 6'-2" but he was a scrawny baby and scrawny kid. My Norweigan side of the family are all giants - huge bone structure and on the overweight side.

I would stick to your guns and let your confidence show. I'm sure that it's reasonable enough for them to plan for a vaginal birth and have a c-section as an emergency backup.

 

AlmostMrsI

Lots of people deliver babies in the 8-9 lb range without c-sections.  My SIL had one that was 9lb 8oz and another that was 8lb 13oz and she did drug-free natural deliveries for both. 

I hope that your Dr. will let you try, as long as there is no risk to you or the baby.  Just be prepared that if something changes you may have to have the c/s. 

indomesticbliss

As you said, a growth u/s is an estimate only, not an exact science. I think it is a good thing for your OB to discuss that c-section may be a very real possibility (especially since you have GD and high BP), but I also think that if I was in your shoes, I would go for a vaginal delivery knowing it could very well end up in a c-section. IMO, as long as you're maintaing your sugars and you BP is in a healty range, go for an induction and try for a vaginal delivery. Just be aware that you may wind up with a c-section and don't be disappointed if you do.

FWIW, I'm 6' and DH is 6'2". I was 7 lb 6 oz at birth and 22 inches long, DH was 8 lb 10 oz and 21.5 inches long. Our first was born at 40 w 3 d, 7 lb 8 oz and 20.5 inches long. We were all surprised at how "normal" sized he was, especially length wise. Not so much anymore....

06hoky

I cannot speak for myself but my mom keeps telling me about how she delivered 4 babies (2 over 10lbs and 2 over 9lbs) naturally and it's all about your mindset.  So I say go with your gut. 

NewMomAlyssa

My husband is 6'4, I'm 5'8, and my midwife estimated based on what she felt with her hands that our baby would be 8- 81/2 lbs. She was 8'7. I delivered naturally and without tears or problems! I am not a large framed woman, either. Baby ended up being really long, 22 inches, head was mid range and nice and chubby. Chubby and long are NOT problems in delivery! Dunno about the head but, really, I think you can do it! I pushed for an hour and 20 mins.

If you really want a vaginal delivery I'd try and avoid interventions, it seems epdiurals tend to slow down deliveries and pitocin causes other problems (babys heart rate and worse pain in contractions). Just let you body do what it was meant to do. Then if stuff just isn't happening you can make a dif decision if needed

rockychryslerb2010

It can totally be done.  My sister is 5'4" as gave birth to two babies over 9lbs, most recently her second son at 9lbs 6oz.  I wouldn't let them pressure you into a c section if the only concern is size.  You really have no idea how your body will react and the true size of the baby.  From what I've read, there really is no way to tell if a baby is 'too big' until you are in the process of L&D.  As long as you are comfortable with trying vaginally first, knowing c section is a possibility, I say go for it!  

I am also preparing for a big baby - I am 5'7" inches and DH is 6'4" with a build that  makes everyone ask if he played football.  I'm doing vaginally first and will discuss c section if / when it becomes necessary.  

asyph107

Dont let the "big baby" thing scare you. I let my first OB scare me into an induction because she said I was having a 10 lb baby. induction went poorly, DS's head got stuck, probably because I was not ready to have him, and had an emergency c/s. DS only weighed 8.13lbs. The growth scans can be way off. You are totally right to weight until your LO tells you what is necessary by going into distress or getting stuck. Hold your ground and things will be fine, as long you feel comfortable and confident in your choices go for it!

Leap08

A good friend of mine has large babies. Both of her daughters were well over 9lbs. I think her second was nearly 10lbs. She delivered both of them vaginally with little to no complications. Women deliver large babies all the time. Don't let them push you into scheduling a c-section.

getnmarried910

From what I've heard and read, it's pretty uncommon for a baby to fit through the moms birth canal. I wouldn't go straight to a c-section without first trying.  I know several people who have had large (as in 9, 10, and even 11lbs) babies vaginally, some didn't have any interventions.  I don't think it hurts to look at what she gives you, but ultimately, it's up to you, and I don't think a baby's size is a reason to go straight to a c-section, especially since u/s measurements can be off.  DS was estimated to be a 9lb baby.  He was barely over 7lbs.

KYmama9286

I agree with pretty much everything that was already said-- I just wanted to point you in the direction of this organization (ICAN). They have some great research and literature about this topic that might be helpful to have read and bring with you when you talk with your OB. I would be curious what their response would be. HTH!

https://ican-online.org/vbac/cephalopelvic-disproportion-cpd

https://ican-online.org/pregnancy/things-you-can-do-avoid-unnecessary-cesarean

 

preciousmetal

I gave birth to a 9 lb 1 oz baby boy last year and didn't even tear. Honestly, I say go with your gut. You don't want to look back and wish that you had fought harder for your birth plan. Yes, in the end the doc is going to recommend what is safest for the both of you. But she should be well aware of your wishes before she makes her suggestions.

brookie9

Stick to your guns sister!!! I would do the same thing in your shoes. You can do it!

missyscadoo

At my last appointment my doctor warned me about the possibility of me not being able to have my baby vaginally due to my small pelvis and how big she is. However, my doctor was more or less trying to make sure that I would be prepared if they started talking about c-sections and other interventions (like a vacuum or forceps) and is definitely not a cutter at all. She is having me see another doctor at the practice who usually handles the c-sections and because that may be who the doctor on call is when I go into labor. I have been trying stretches and things that I found online that say they are supposed to help you be more flexible and make the opening in your pelvis larger at the time of delivery. Maybe that would help you too? I can't see why, unless due to your blood pressure or something like that, your doctor wouldn't at least let you go for the vaginal delivery if you really want it. Good luck and you aren't alone.

alkinney

Thank you everyone for the support and feedback.  I love hearing all of your stories.  My BP has been great, so I don't see that as a problem.  Just a chunky little baby (or long baby). 

I plan to stick to my gut feeling and know that a CS could happen.  I feel like it never hurts to try first, right?  Thank you, again!

 

TwoBoxers

I am about 5'3 and my son was 8lbs 9oz 21 inches long and I gave birth to him vaginally.  This baby was measuring over 7lbs last week and the head was measuring at 39 weeks and my doctor didn't say anything about a c/s.  I wouldn't worry too much about it!

Fletcha

You have a great mindset, it is so refreshing to hear from women who don't instantly panic at the "big baby" thing.

I think next time you see your OB, tell her you are well aware of the situation and the risks, but you have done your research and are confident that trying vaginally first would be the best option and you would appreciate it if she would support you on this. Let her know you are confident about this and it would be in everyone's best interest if she would support you and think positively. If things don't go as planned, then you can deal with that then and at least you can say you tried.

Good luck, you got this mama!

PandaMom06

I am 5'8 and my DH is 6'1. He was over 9lbs and 23 inches and I was 9lbs 4oz at birth. I had GD with my first pregnancy and DD was estimated at 8lbs 10oz the day before my induction. She was born at 8.5 and 21 inches, I did tear but only at the last second-my OB thought I was going to make it but when she moved DD's shoulder she literally SHOT out and my OB actually had to catch her. There was never any mention of possible CS in my case.

This time around I again have GD. We are having a boy and at 32w he was estimated at 5lbs 13oz, he was measuring 35w. I go next week for another growth ultrasound. The OB wasn't concerned yet about his size but I did ask at what point they would not let me try vaginally. They said 10lbs. I am also going to advocate for the both of us that I go vaginally. Hopefully though he has slowed down and it won't be an issue. Good luck and stick to your guns! It can be done.

My MIL had two large boys vaginally and is a short and petite woman. My Mom had my two brothers, who were both over 10lbs (1 was 10lbs 13oz), and myself at 9lbs 4oz all vaginally.

ETA: Once fully dialated and pushing I only pushed with DD for 30 minutes which my OB said was awesome for a FTM. 

alkinney

PandaMom06:

I am 5'8 and my DH is 6'1. He was over 9lbs and 23 inches and I was 9lbs 4oz at birth. I had GD with my first pregnancy and DD was estimated at 8lbs 10oz the day before my induction. She was born at 8.5 and 21 inches, I did tear but only at the last second-my OB thought I was going to make it but when she moved DD's shoulder she literally SHOT out and my OB actually had to catch her. There was never any mention of possible CS in my case.

This time around I again have GD. We are having a boy and at 32w he was estimated at 5lbs 13oz, he was measuring 35w. I go next week for another growth ultrasound. The OB wasn't concerned yet about his size but I did ask at what point they would not let me try vaginally. They said 10lbs. I am also going to advocate for the both of us that I go vaginally. Hopefully though he has slowed down and it won't be an issue. Good luck and stick to your guns! It can be done.

My MIL had two large boys vaginally and is a short and petite woman. My Mom had my two brothers, who were both over 10lbs (1 was 10lbs 13oz), and myself at 9lbs 4oz all vaginally.

ETA: Once fully dialated and pushing I only pushed with DD for 30 minutes which my OB said was awesome for a FTM. 

THIS is an awesome story!  Thank you!!! 

GoombaGirl_79

Well I am about 5'7", and small boned... and DS was 8 lbs and 6 oz. I did not end up having a C-section, although we did end up needing forceps to get him out quicker in the end (he got a little stuck and heart-rate started flagging)... but, no C-section! I was okay with a CS if it was absolutely necessary but like you I really wanted to try a natural birth first. 

I am concerned this time around for similar reasons (posted above)...I think this baby is going to be a little bigger than DS was! DH is a pretty tall guy and his brother is very tall so big guys run in the family... yeah...  a little concerned and hoping we don't have to go the CS route this time around!