C-Section Scheduled - not confident

palmbreeze

I went along my whole pregancy with the docs telling me that my baby is right on schedule size wise...until the end. Everyone told me how big I was except the doctors. They finally decide my baby is measuring big. Now that I'm 39 weeks and my baby is measuring 9.5 pounds, they want to schedule a c-section.

I had my ultrasound yesterday and my doctor called me to give me a heads up for my appt today that he was big. Why didn't they tell me yesterday not to eat anything today? Then they could have done the procdedure today. Now we have to wait till Monday. What if my water breaks or I go into labor by Monday? I'm only 1.5 centimeters though.

I just feel so overwhelmed with this news today. I knew it was coming, but I'm scared they are going to mess it up, or I'll be in pain forever, or my dogs won't understand why mommy doesn't feel well. I cry when I get my blood taken, let alone having surgery while I'm wide awake. What if my doctor is bad at doing this procedure?

Oh and my doctor asked me what I've been feeding this baby. Well if she told me months ago that I was measuring big, gaining too much weight etc maybe I would have ate better. Though I was over ten pounds myself and my mom wouldn't even eat salad dressing on her salads. So, I'm convinced my baby is big because I was big and I am a six foot tall woman. I wasn't expecting a tiny baby.

 Sorry for the rambles, I'm just a big scared, nervous and upset all at the same time.

MAprincess

Are you not confident in the c/s?  If so, just decline it for now.  My friend had a c/s because they said the baby was 9.5 lbs and the baby came out just over 7 lbs.  Not to say this will happen to you, but the measurements are just guesstimates. (I was told DS was approximately 8.5 lbs and he came out over 10). 

Even if the baby is that big, there is no reason why you have to have a c/s.  I know plenty of people who birthed large babies without issues.

That said, if you WANT to have the c/s and you are just concerned about the idea of surgery, then that is also completely normal.  I was nervous.  Mine was not planned so I didn't have a lot of time to worry and I think that was a good thing for me.  But the doctors know how to do surgery, I doubt he will mess it up. 

Either way, I hope you have a safe and positive delivery!

manbearpig31610

Aw, I'm sorry you're feeling anxious about this. Try to relax and focus on the fact that you get to meet LO soon! Your OB knows what he is doing as far as performing the surgery. It's a part of his medical training. 32% of babies are born via c/s so I am sure he has done pleanty of other c/s in his career! Take these next few days to get everything together around your house and line up some help for when you get home. LO will be here before you know it! During the surgery if you anxious, nauseous, etc, make sure you communicate that to your Dr. They can give you meds in your IV to make you feel better. I hope everything goes well for you and early congrats on your (big) LO!

surprise3rd

Have you considered letting it go naturally and seeing what happens?  You could deliver naturally and the baby could be 8 lbs.  My BFF is petite size 4 and delivered a 9 pounder without even a tear. 

Having had to have a c-section and not wanting one, baby didn't descend, didn't progress, I would give anything to try again.  I hate to see a women opt for a C just because her OB thinks her baby is big based on guesses and estimates.  Totally your decision of course, but I would be tempted to let myself go into labor naturally and see what happens. 

Good Luck, and either way you are going to have your baby soon, and however that happens it is always a miracle and a blessing.  Try to get some rest and enjoy your weekend.

moonfaerie

It sounds like you'd be much happier attempting to deliver vaginally, and doctors predicting big babies are no good reason to jump to a c/s. Those estimates can be up to 2 lbs off. My first baby was estimated at 8 lbs, and was 9 lbs 4 oz at birth. My second baby was estimated at 9 1/2 lbs, and was 8 lbs 10 oz.

But I agree with PP that if you do have the c/s, you will be fine. It is new and scary to you, but your dr has done it many times.

MamaPajama2010

If you don't want the c-section, then decline it! Try to go vaginally and see what happens... worst case scenario is that you end up with a c-section anyway. If you are not confident in it now, you could really end up regretting the decision later.

FWIW, the ultrasound estimate for my DD was 9-9.5 pounds, but she was born at 7lbs 15oz (I had an urgent c-section for medical reasons-- not size related). The ultrasound estimate for my nephew was 6-7 pounds, and he was born (vaginally- no pain meds and FAST) at 9lbs. Personally I hated my c-section and I would never schedule major surgery because of something that has such a large margin for error.

I guess you could ask yourself: how would you feel if you had an elective c-section for size, but the baby ended up being on the small side? On the complete other hand, how would you feel if you ended up being able to deliver vaginally, but the baby was 9 pounds?

JLS0320

My 1st son was 10 lbs, my OB tried to talk me into a csection because of his size and I refused. I ended up being able to deliver him vaginally w/ a minor episiotomy. If you are unsure, there is no reason why you can't wait and see, many times the ultrasound is inaccurate. GL on your decision!

jjhp2018

My doc wasn't really expecting my DD to be as big as she was because we were watching but the last growth scan they did was at 35 weeks or something and she was 6.5 lbs. By 39w1d we went in for an induction and after 8 hrs of full blow pit DD wasn't coming down, I was stalled, and her heart rate was showing some dips. They took me back for a c-sec and she ended up being 9lbs 6oz.

I would say it's based on your history - you were a big baby so this one might follow you. BUT that doesn't mean you HAVE to have one. You could let it play out and then if it comes to one, do it then. Though check and see what your hospitals regulations are. My friend's hospital requires any growth scans putting the baby over 10lbs have to be c-sec.

palmbreeze

The

palmbreeze

The doc thinks his shoulders wont fit through the pelvic bones. She said he could end up with a broken bone or nerve damage that  could leave him with a limp arm for life. I could never forgive myself. If she is using scare tactics...its working. Though its another doc doing the surgery.

maddie80

Don't feel bad, or anxious.  My DS, who is 4 tomorrow, was a 9 lb, 15 oz baby.  I was carefully monitored through my pregnancy for gestational diabetes, but they thought the baby would be about 7.5 lbs.  Growth ultrasounds are notoriously off, however.  I will say this - I think some people can definitely deliver a 10 lb baby, but I couldn't.  I had a really long labor, pushed for 4 hours, DS never descended past -1, and I had an emergency c-section.  I was really tired and exhausted in the end, and had a long recovery.  My second is due in 2 weeks, and we have agreed to schedule a c-section (DD is also breech, however).  I think I would have opted for a repeat c-section either way though. I have gestational diabetes again, and although I'm controlled with diet - I was last time - I don't want a repeat of my 36 hour birth experience and repeat c-section.

RedRobin81

I'm sorry you are scared.  Here's the thing, you can talk to your doctor about it and explain what it is you are not confident about.  YOu should always be as honest with your doctor as possible. 

I had to have a c-section because she was breech and she was NOT flipping lol.  It actually relieved me in a way, knowing when she was coming, not worrying about going into labor while I was at work (knowing that sure, I *could have* but it wasn't likely based on my cervix checks, etc) or when my husband was out of town, etc.  It was kind of nice knowing it would be a controlled enviroment as well, instead of laboring for who knows how long, only to be told I had to have an emergency c-section.

I did get a little nervous right before I went in for the anestesia (sp?) but the team of medical professionals made me feel really good about the whole thing, and I was in and out of surgery in about an hour. 

Ultimately, I would talk to your doctor about your concerns.  He or she is the only one who can really answer your quetions honestly as long as you ask them! 

Hope this helped some and GL whatever you choose

nosoup4u

Is it the first u/s that your baby has measured big? Because like PP have said, late u/s can be really off. Also, unless you are very certain of your dates, if your EDD is off, your baby could be younger than 39 weeks, which comes with its own set of risks, too.

I'm 5'10", and gave birth to a 10 lb, 10 oz baby vaginally (he was my second, though, and very overdue, both factors that contribute to macrosomia). I had a second-degree tear, but that was only biggest complication. If you're 6', it doesn't seem that insane that your baby might be on the larger side.

Can you push the c/s date back, and see if you go into labor on your own first? Frankly, I'd rather attempt labor and have an unplanned c/s, and at least know that I tried at vaginal birth. And it is late in game, but I would also switch doctors.

This is a good post to read about suspected macrosomia: https://birthsen.tmdhosting930.com/?p=1531

Good luck!!

pghjen

My Dr told me that ultrasounds can measure up to 2 lbs off - that is a lot!  Can you get a second opinion??