big baby

StephyMarie

I had an ultrasound this week that said the baby measures about 9lb 1oz. They recommended having a c-section if I go to 40 weeks. I'm just curious is anyone else in a similar situation and what are your thoughts?

Mrs.MauiBride24

It's hard to say without being in your shoes, but I would prefer to be induced rather than straight to a C-Section.  Any progress at all?  They say those measurements can be off up to 20% (or 1-2#). 

I've heard a lot of "I was induced/scheduled c-section for a 10# baby and he was 7#" type of stories.

megaloo27

My friend just had a home birth and her baby was 9.2 pounds. I would say if you really want a vaginal birth try it, but if you are indifferent go with c section. If it was me I would do c section because I don't want to have to recover from hours of labor and a surgery. But I'm not really pushing for a vaginal birth, it's just not a priority for me.

julesjarvais65

If you really want a vaginal birth, I would go ahead and either wait or get induced. I personally wouldn't let them induce me or give me a c-section for a big baby, but everyone's situation is different and everyone feels differently about it.

If you get induced, this at least gives you the option of trying to push baby out. Since your asking, it sounds like you would like to know your other options. I feel like if you can't push LO out, you would end up getting a c-section, but chances that you can't push LO out is probably pretty slim. I would definitely get induced and use a c-section as a last resort.

Huahine

Growth scans at this stage in the game are notoriously inaccurate.  As I left mine (required b/c of my GD) the tech said, "now this measurement could be off by a pound in either direction."  I would not let someone section me based on test results that are known to be inaccurate. 

I would also push back on being induced on my due date.  First time moms, if not induced, deliver an average of 11 days past their EDD.  Unless your body is really ready for induction (ie, if your cervix is dilating and you baby's head is engaged) there is an increased likelihood of the induction failing and winding up with a c-section. 

anewmrsS

Growth scans this late in the game can be off by up to 2 lbs in either direction! My good friend who had her LO in December was told her baby was over 10 lbs at 39 weeks. She went into labor two days later, and delivered a 7 lb 9 oz baby. Do what feels right for you!

tko72

I agree with PP. My SIL and friend both measured over 8lbs right before giving birth on the growth scan, but baby actually measured 6lbs 12 oz and 14 oz. I wouldn't trust the G/S measurements either since it's just an estimate. Also, many OB/GYNs are so quick to do a c-section for convenient/monetary reasons (i know, this is a controversial topic) but after seeing the documentary "Business of Being Born," I would definitely hold off on doing a c-section as my last resort.

perfectoops

Your story sounds very similar to mine.  At 38 weeks baby was measuring around 9 lbs.  At 39 weeks baby was measuring over 10 lbs.  At 40 weeks baby measured 10 lbs 7 oz.  I was offered a c-section, but refused it.  I'm getting induced on Wednesday if baby decides not to come on his own over the weekend. 

I agree with the others who state that measuring a baby through u/s this late in the pregnancy is just not a game of accuracy.  I'm taking my chances and hoping for the best with the induction on Wed.  If I cannot push him out, it will be a c/s, but at least I know that I gave it everything I had.  Good luck!

MrsMeMo

I was told 8lb13oz the day before I delivered my 9lb12oz baby. It really can go about a pound either way. That being said, labor was rough but his size didn't pose any issues. Good luck!