Induction if baby looks "too big"?

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We are scheduled for an ultrasound today to see approximately how big our Little Man is. We realize the ultrasound can be give or take a pound, but if the doctor suggests an induction this weekend or next week due to size what do you think? DH and I are going to talk about it and thankfully I work for a health system so I am going to be polling several obgyn's, but I'd appreciate any and all perspectives.

Originally I wasn't up for induction due to the chance of c-section, but if the baby is too big, we run that risk as well. Both sides of our families have large babies so not sure what to do. Thanks for your opinions!

danienross

Honestly I've heard ultrasounds can be off 2lbs in either direction. Without any other concerns I would not induce just for a suspected large baby. Just because baby might be large doesn't mean your body can't handle it.

amb5353

Our doctors have been monitoring our progress because of GD. At our last growth scan he wasn't measuring big. He was 7lbs 6ozs according to them. The measurements can be off so DH and I think he is most likely a pound bigger. But he isn't "to big."

However, we are scheduling an induction because I have GD and several other health issues. The GD by itself means they don't want me going over 40wks.

Vegasbb

How far along are you? Are we talking about an induction post 40 weeks or before your due date?

queenie521

I personally believe that if big babies run in your family, then your body is probably equipped to deliver a big baby. I think it would be a bit more scarey if you we're a petite little thing and DH was really tall and big as baby. 

queenie521

It also depends on your definition of "big". A 8-9 pounder vs a 10+

Lacey2shoes

queenie521:

It also depends on your definition of "big". A 8-9 pounder vs a 10+

this. and the same question as pp, what week are we talking here?  I was induced at 41w, my body was pretty ready to have the baby and it sucked! I've heard it's much worse if your body is not ready and labor isn't close. I would personally prefer a natural birth with a slightly bigger baby than another induction! But definitely talk to doctors before making your decision!

Temp401097062506067

I'm currently 38 weeks so the induction would possibly 39 or 40 weeks. DH and I are both pretty much on the side of not inducing but I am a bit concerned about a 10+ lbs baby. 8-9lbs I'm ok with as that is what my Mom was able to deliver naturally.

Temp401097062506067

Oh, and I'm ok with a bigger baby too. I know that's not how it sounded. Sorry, been up far too long already with little sleep...

queenie521

MinLove:

I'm currently 38 weeks so the induction would possibly 39 or 40 weeks. DH and I are both pretty much on the side of not inducing but I am a bit concerned about a 10+ lbs baby. 8-9lbs I'm ok with as that is what my Mom was able to deliver naturally.

you should come back later after your U/S and tell us the results because you may be worried for nothing. Fundal heights can measure big for a number of reasons and I'm assuming that's the reason for your growth U/S.  

Temp401097062506067

You are correct. I am measuring big and that's the reason for the growth scan today. That and we told our doc the sizes of the babies on both sides of our family with the kids delivering early. Doc got a little concerned but hasn't mentioned inducing yet. We're just trying to stay a step ahead incase it comes up. Good idea - will update after the scan this afternoon. Thanks :-}

alyson686

danienross:

Honestly I've heard ultrasounds can be off 2lbs in either direction. Without any other concerns I would not induce just for a suspected large baby. Just because baby might be large doesn't mean your body can't handle it.

This. I've also heard that at this point the measurements can be up to 2lbs off, and I've actually seen it happen. A good friend was told that her baby was close to 7lb 8oz, and he was only 5lb 12 oz. I was told that DS was over 7lbs at 36w, so I should expect a big baby, but he was only 7lb 10oz when born at 39 weeks. That being said, you have to do what feels right to you.

mavgirl_73

Growth scans and fundal height measurements can be so off. My daughter was prospected to be "easily a 9 lbs baby", at birth she was 7lbs 4oz, and that weight was skewed because they had given me 4 bags of saline prior to her birth. My husband is 6'1" and broad shouldered, I'm 5'3" and fairly petite. Our bodies are meant to give birth, unless you have other factors such as GD which have proven to produce larger babies I'd hold out on an induction. Have fun seeing your LO today regardless of what you choose! Good luck!

mrsmklynch

My son was expected to be huge (possibly around 11-12 lbs), but they never offered to induce me. They just told me that we may want to consider a c-section. For what it's worth, he was born via c-section a week and a half late (after 17 hours of unproductive labor) and was only 9lb 5oz. Yes, that's big, but compared to 12lbs, it seemed small to me.

Wally3

My bff has big babies and her 2nd always measured big.  Her ob never suggest going early based on size. SHe said just because a baby is big doesn't mean it is more devoloped and still need to cook.  She was having a RCS and scheduled for 39 3 days. She ended up going into labor at 38w5d and they did they rcs then.  If you have other medical concerns then that is a different story.  I would be hestiant to induce before 40 wks based on size alone.

Sharon&Paul

I would vote against a induction. My first was induced post due date and it was a 39 hour labor (because I was not ready). My second was natural labor and was so much easier and faster. That could also be that she was second, but I would avoid an induction if possible.