I've noticed quite a few of these posts lately...

whittier06 · September 2011

It seems quite a few people have been told that they may need a c-section or induction because of a large baby. My doctor told me the same thing (big baby and narrow pelvis). It's interesting because everything you read says that it is uncommon for a baby to be "too big", and says that vaginal birth should be attempted first unless the baby is estimated at 11lb+.

That's all, it is just interesting to me. I suppose I'm comforted that I'm not the only one, I just hope that I'm not having uneccessary surgery. That is scary.

emadlma · September 2011

After watching "Pregnant in America" and "The Business of Being Born" I would have to question the necessity of a c-section. I know both movies are incredibly slanted against hospitals and doctors, but our bodies are made to give birth.

waiting4Baby00 · September 2011

I would not consent to a c-section because of a "big baby". C/S is necessary in less than 5% of births and yet its performed on average for 33% of births (according to my doctor).

If anything, I would ask to be induced a week early so as not to let the baby hit the 10lb mark. While induction increases the risk of a c/s, at least it gives me the chance to try for a vaginal birth.

Mama2Be11911 · September 2011

I posted about this today too. The thing that made me nervous was when she told me the head can deliver and the shoulders get stuck, literally. Maybe just a scare tactic but it does worry you. I have GD and those babies can put on weight in their shoulders.

varkeyr · September 2011

I would try for the vaginal first. Just because you have narrow hips does not mean you can't deliver vaginally. My cousin who has wide hips was told the same thing of baby being large therefore you need a c/s. She tried vaginally and lo and behold she was able to birth without c/s. Some doctors are c/s happy. They fear being sued.

wearsunscreen · September 2011

The OB i was interviewing (as we moved recently) said that their practice does 50-60% CS because they feel its "safer" for everyone. ((I obviously didn't go with that OB practice!))

Very rarely is a baby too big to be delivered vaginally... so make sure you tell your provider that a CS is the last resort and do your research! I've found that DOCTORS really believe that a baby can be too big but if you talk to a midwife or doula they will be able to help you have a more rounded idea of what will happen.

Good Luck!

cikangell · September 2011

wearsunscreen:
The OB i was interviewing (as we moved recently) said that their practice does 50-60% CS because they feel its "safer" for everyone. ((I obviously didn't go with that OB practice!))

Holy cow!! I hope you posted a review about them somewhere so other women can be warned, too. That is HORRIBLE!!

diana563 · September 2011

i completely agree with this!!!!

I would not consent to a c-section because of a "big baby". C/S is necessary in less than 5% of births and yet its performed on average for 33% of births (according to my doctor).

If anything, I would ask to be induced a week early so as not to let the baby hit the 10lb mark. While induction increases the risk of a c/s, at least it gives me the chance to try for a vaginal birth.

kanga47s · September 2011

The further along in pregnancy, the more "off" the estimates of weight/size. I don't trust those size estimates anyways.

bstrangely · September 2011

howdy. my son was predicted to be big. i was leery because my friends had been told the same thing, had elective c-sections, yet their kids were in the 6-7 lb range.

i decided not to have an ecs when it was offered and went 10 days past my due date, wanting to try for a natural birth. i was finally induced. almost two days later, my baby still had to be dragged out by a team of professionals. i was in labor for about 38 hours and the c-section was uneventful. my recovery was easy. everyone commented on how round his head was, because he never got anywhere near the birth canal. he was 9 lbs and 9 oz.

you never know. i just wanted to let you know that i felt the same way you did. i'm really glad that i tried the induction and don't regret a thing. you just do what seems right to you and if you feel pressured, let your dr know you'd prefer a different route.

ABeautifulMind · September 2011

emadlma:
After watching "Pregnant in America" and "The Business of Being Born" I would have to question the necessity of a c-section. I know both movies are incredibly slanted against hospitals and doctors, but our bodies are made to give birth.

AMEN!

RadicalDreamer143 · September 2011

I'll make this short, since it easily could be a long post. Yes, you can have a baby that is too big to be born vaginally. My son was 8lb 4oz (not too huge, though I myself was a 5lb 10oz baby, but DH was over 9lbs). His head circumference could never have made it past my pelvic bone - in fact he became stuck. Weight had nothing to do with it. I had a choice of a c-section after no progress in 8 hours past 4cm, or to keep going.

I chose the c-section. Why? Because at that point it wasn't an emergency c-section. Everyone was calm, there was no rushing, my son was born safely, and I had a fantastic recovery. Even better, it was my choice, so it was much easier to reconcile with that - you find a lot of women who end up being quite bitter at having "failed" at childbirth when they end up with an emergency c/s (obviously I don't agree with the sentiment, but that's PPD for you).. I suppose I could have labored, eventually discovered that he was also sunny-side up (which he was), and ended up with an emergency c-section - which are the ones that you will find people having bad experiences with when you make it to the next board.

If I were you, try vaginal labor. I would also do as much research into c-sections as well, so you are mentally prepared in case you find yourself in that position. Your hormones and mental well-being after birth will thank you.

getnmarried910 · September 2011

It's not typical that a baby can't fit. It does happen, but it's not common at all. I have a friend who is little and has delivered 10-11lb babies. My sister couldn't deliver an 8 1/2 lb baby vaginally because her pelvis is too narrow. She is in the minority. Ultrasound measurements can be off, so I don't understand why they use this as a reason to induce.

kurokai · September 2011

whittier06:
It seems quite a few people have been told that they may need a c-section or induction because of a large baby. My doctor told me the same thing (big baby and narrow pelvis). It's interesting because everything you read says that it is uncommon for a baby to be "too big", and says that vaginal birth should be attempted first unless the baby is estimated at 11lb+.

That's all, it is just interesting to me. I suppose I'm comforted that I'm not the only one, I just hope that I'm not having uneccessary surgery. That is scary.

Mine too. They've also said that it is the mother's choice, and that they'll only recommend a c-section if the baby is measuring at 11lb+ but allow a vaginal attempt, they just strongly advise against it.

jchytil · September 2011

My nephew is a prime example of trying to naturally birth a baby that became stuck the dr had to break his collar bone because his shoulders where to wide and he was in distess and almost did not make it. I would much rather go with a c section then putting my baby in distess. Im sure Drs want to prevent this happening as much as possible also.

Cleo29 · September 2011

I had a large baby (9 lbs 7oz) vaginally, an hour and a half of pushing. I knew she was going to have a large head (thanks, H!), she had large shoulders too, and it was fine. I never had the doctor tell they were concerned with my pelvis, etc.

My sister is far more petite than me and vaginally delivered a 9lb 13 oz baby.

I don't know, I think if you want to try a vaginal birth, try it. I honestly don't always trust doctors telling a woman what she will not be able to do, as a first time mom, well before she has gone into labor (barring some existing condition that they know could bring about complications).

shoestringmommy · September 2011

emadlma:
After watching "Pregnant in America" and "The Business of Being Born" I would have to question the necessity of a c-section. I know both movies are incredibly slanted against hospitals and doctors, but our bodies are made to give birth.

This exactly! My SIL just had a c-section after being told the baby was just too big. I don't agree. Giving birth is the most natural think our body was made to do and our body and babies know how to do it! It's frustrating.

malakelle · September 2011

I was a 7 lb baby, and was to large to fit threw my mom's pelvis. She labored for over 24 hours, in hard stage 3 labor before decided to do an emergency csection. I was stuck in the pelvic bones, which were not stretching like they should of. I had a huge cone head from being there.

My aunt had 4 children all over 10 lbs, and went completely natural, and my cousin had to have csesection and all her kids were 7 to 9 lbs, her pelvic was like my moms to slim. Everyone is different, I think just doing it because of a big baby isn't a reason, but add in the narrow pelvis, and I think it becomes something to really think about.

aliciaroset · September 2011

Nobody has mentioned that labor is itself beneficial for baby. it helps prepare baby to go through the contractions. This, combined with the fact that so many estimates of baby's size are off, would make me want to try laboring naturally before having a C.

cottonlily84 · September 2011

Unnecessary surgery is scary and to me c-sections aren't just another way to deliver. It's surgery and meant for only emergency situations. If you're in a room waiting for your "emergency c-section" 3 hours after the dr told you you had to have it, it's not an emergency! Or when they go see if the OR is available before they tell you you need an ecs...ridiculous.

I would never listen to someone tell me the baby was too big to deliver and to skip trying vaginally. I'm starting to deal with that now. The dr hasn't mentioned anything about delivery yet but just told me the baby is already too large. Too large for what is my question. Too large to work match their perfect textbook ideas of how quickly labor and delivery should proceed? Too large to fit through the birth canal because they have me pushing in the worst position for shoulders to get stuck? You just have to question the advice the dr gives you and make the best decision for your and the baby's health.

Rebecca2024 · September 2011

C-section was a concern of mine recently too as i left my latest ultrasound appointment...
Baby was measuring 4lbs instead of the "normal" 2.5lbs - 86 percentile!
If she theoretically triples in size before birth, I'm looking at a 12lb baby!
(My personal weight gain has been "exceptional," no diabetes, no high blood pressure... perfect pregnancy so far.)

I was nervous as I made my way from the ultrasound room to my doctor's exam room. I thought for sure she was going to sign me up for a c-section.

What she actually told me was that ultrasound is truthfully a crummy way to predict size - we're taking a 2D image and guessing about a 3D body.

Also, over her career, she has had many patients that cannot push out 5lb babies worth a darn and women that push out 10lb babies with no problem.

I'm assuming what my doctor mentioned is why your literature recommends "that vaginal birth should be attempted first."
Who's to say what your pelvis/body can handle until it's asked to preform?

Cotton · September 2011

I've had very large babies...my first two were 9lbs 11oz each (one a week late, one induced on due date) and my third guy was 10lbs. I pushed him out, with no pain meds even, but he almost got stuck. This was so scary for me and everyone in the room, really.

This last baby of mine was measuring large and growing fast at the end. We thought we were looking at a 10+ lb baby, even if we induced at 39 weeks. I opted for the C/S. This was not a decision I made lightly. I thought there were very good reasons to think I could possibly be in that small percentage that grows a baby that's actually too big to deliver vaginally! We will never know for sure. I was very happy with my decision. When my son was born 10lbs 14oz I was glad he came out through my belly!!! His head measured 15 inches around. Imagine that!

Good luck with whatever you decide!

Elizabeth

BFab11 · September 2011

Unless you have GD or another medical condition, it is highly unlikely that your body will grow a baby bigger than it can get out. I have a very petite friend who had a c section because of baby's size and he was over 10 lbs, then she had her second son all natural, VBAC, and he was 12 lbs 4 oz (her hubby is Samoan, so they just have huge babies). It can totally be done, unless you have a really abnormal or disfigured pelvis. Having "narrow hips" is a scare tactic.

kyrastapp · September 2011

kanga47s:
The further along in pregnancy, the more "off" the estimates of weight/size. I don't trust those size estimates anyways.

This! I was told that DS2 was a 10 lb+ so they wanted me to be induced a week early. So I was and he came out 7lbs 10oz. They were way off and he had a hard time gaining weight. Did I feel like an awful mom. They cant get accurate measurements when it comes to weight that far along because they are too squished.

2-Step · September 2011

RadicalDreamer143:
I'll make this short, since it easily could be a long post. Yes, you can have a baby that is too big to be born vaginally.

If I were you, try vaginal labor. I would also do as much research into c-sections as well, so you are mentally prepared in case you find yourself in that position. Your hormones and mental well-being after birth will thank you.

I totally agree with this. I pushed for 3.5 hours and DS never moved, his head was swelling from pushing against my pelvic bone, making it even harder to push him out. I opted for the c-section at a point where he was still in good shape because my OB warned that after 3.5 hours it is rare for a baby to make much progress and I would rather avoid it getting to an emergency situation. I think the important thing to do is educate yourself on all the scenarios and options. I think women shouldn't make a c-section or induction decision based on a prediction from their OB about a big baby, however please be prepared because some women DO NEED a c-section. Not every women's body is made to deliver a baby safely and you should be prepared for whatever could come your way. My DS was 8lbs. 14oz, so not a giant 11 lb baby, but his head was in the 95th percentile!

I did no research and had no idea what I was in for in having a c-section because for some reason I had it in my head that "this is what a women's body is meant to do." Now it kind of makes me feel bad when women say things like that about child birth. Yes, you need to be your own advocate, but the last thing you want is to end up making a decision on the spot without educating yourself on the reasons why it might be right for you to opt for the c-section if you do need it. I didn't do the research and now I know it was the right thing for me, but at the time I was super scared and confused about what to do.

missyscadoo · September 2011

I completely understand about your fear of unnecessary surgery and I was heartbroken at my last appointment four weeks ago when the nurse practitioner at my office told me that there was a good chance that I wouldn't be able to deliver vaginally. To be honest, I kind of had that fear in the back of my head the whole time anyways and her reasoning was very sound (my LO was breech and my placenta was/is blocking my cervix/ placenta previa). I know that's different from what you heard, but I just wanted to say that I completely understand your fear. I was only 24 weeks at my last appointment and wasn't expecting news like that. This time when I go in I will know the right questions to ask and I will be talking to the doctor who I think should be better able to share with me what to expect for my delivery (sadly this will be the first time that I will be seeing a doctor and not a nurse).

As far as the baby being too big... it happens. DH was 12 lbs when he was born. MIL tried to deliver natural, but he didn't fit and they had to take him out after labor just would progress/ he got stuck. My sister and mom almost died when my mom tried to deliver her. She was stuck and almost broke my mom's tail bone (my mom has an oddly formed tail bone and I don't think this is a normal concern for most women). They had to push my sister back in (her head was crowned) after 36 hours or so of labor and hold her up there until she was taken out via emergency C-section. They looked at my mom's information after the fact/ re-reviewed and said that she never should have even attempted natural birth for such a large/ full term baby with the way her pelvis and back were. At least they are looking into everything and if you feel the surgery may be unnecessary then you should talk to your doctor about it, but don't feel any less of anything if you need a C-section, they do save lives!

RadicalDreamer143 · September 2011

cottonlily84:
Unnecessary surgery is scary and to me c-sections aren't just another way to deliver. It's surgery and meant for only emergency situations. If you're in a room waiting for your "emergency c-section" 3 hours after the dr told you you had to have it, it's not an emergency! Or when they go see if the OR is available before they tell you you need an ecs...ridiculous.

I would never listen to someone tell me the baby was too big to deliver and to skip trying vaginally. I'm starting to deal with that now. The dr hasn't mentioned anything about delivery yet but just told me the baby is already too large. Too large for what is my question. Too large to work match their perfect textbook ideas of how quickly labor and delivery should proceed? Too large to fit through the birth canal because they have me pushing in the worst position for shoulders to get stuck? You just have to question the advice the dr gives you and make the best decision for your and the baby's health.

I don't think anyone here advocated a true scheduled c/s. In fact, everyone mentioned laboring first. I think you watched too many "documentaries" and have some jaded views about doctors if you think that it is common practice to just roll you into the OR without laboring.

Most doctors bring this up because the amount of women who go into labor, so incredibly against having a c-section, end up being a mess afterwards because they had "their plan" which didn't go as they wanted, end up severely depressed as a result, especially because they waited until they were exhausted, or their baby was in severe distress, when they should have listened to their doctor earlier on in labor when they advise them. Believe it or no, the doctor DOES have your health, and your baby's health, as their top priority - and has more knowledge about it than you (I assume that's why you were careful about choosing your OB, weren't you?).

By the way, waiting for an emergency before having the surgery is ludicrous. That's like saying, "Let's wait for her gall bladder to burst before operating, why bother beforehand?"

amandalup · September 2011

I would definitely ask to try vaginally first just because someone has narrow hips does not mean that their pelvis is too small. If you are past 37 weeks and don't want a c-section ask if you can try natural induction first i.e. nipple stimulation walking, sex, anything. A c-section is major surgery they scheduled me one for her being breech at 36 weeks I went to the chiropractor and did the webster technique and she turned around. DR's seem very hasty with the c-sections these days. I have also read the evening primrose oil helps with natural delivery making it go quicker and easier. Unless you are delivering a linebacker I would ask to try it on your own.

Janimal · September 2011

My baby was not big at 7lbs 7oz. However, her head was 99th percentile (my big brained girl!), and she got stuck, which was scary as hell as I watched her heart rate plummet on the monitor and was being hung almost upside down (gravity) as they worked to stop my labor and keep her safe, then rush me to the OR. I had an emergency C section.

When people say "our bodies are made for this" I laugh, since it took a team of professionals, thousands of dollars, multiple procedures, and a crapload of drugs for me to get pregnant. Apparently my body was NOT made to do this!

The best you can do, is to be educated about the birth process. Be prepared for the experience you want, work towards your goal birth plan, but be open-minded and accepting of what is going to be necessary. I wanted a natural vaginal birth, but when it boiled down to it, if it had been safest for her to be pulled out of my left nostril, that would have been ok with me.

Talk to your doctor(s). Be comfortable with them supporting what you want. If you aren't comfortable, talk to another doctor.

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