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3rd Trimester
greeneyed_bride
member
How big is too big?
greeneyed_bride
member
Hello, ladies! I'm doing some online reading to help answer this question, but I also wanted input from other moms. Just how big is too big to deliver vaginally and full-term?
I'm thin with pretty small hips (5'5" 125 lbs and size 3 before pregnancy). At my last visit (28 weeks), I was measuring 3 weeks ahead based on my fundal height. Since that visit (4 weeks ago), I've only gained two pounds, but I'm now measuring 4 weeks ahead based on fundal height. (Measuring 36 weeks at 32 weeks.) Obviously, fundal height is not terribly accurate, so my OB scheduled an ultrasound for me in two weeks to measure the baby.
On Christmas, my husband's uncle (who recently retired after 40+ years as an obstetrician), felt my stomach, and then told me that my baby was going to be at least nine pounds. When I told my OB that, she measured me and said that she agreed. Both DH and I were nearly nine pounds at birth. My OB says that she wants to do at least two ultrasounds to measure the baby and see how fast it's growing to make sure it's feasible for me to deliver vaginally at 40+ weeks. I really, really do not want to be induced or to have a c-section unless it's absolutely necessary, and my OB seems to agree. I really respect and trust my OB, but I know that her word isn't law in terms of inducing and/or c-section.
Anyway, all this to say - just how big would be too big for me to safely deliver vaginally at 40+ weeks? I know that women give birth to nine pound babies all the time, so I'm not ready to throw in the towel based on the baby's size. I guess I'm just looking for some input and personal experience from other moms.
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Re: How big is too big?
I have heard of women having no problems with VB for 10 pound babies. Remember, just because you have narrow hips doesnt mean you have a narrow pelvis. That area your baby will be coming through is not easily measured. Also, relaxin will loosen you up, widen your hips and pelvis, and lubricate those tendons a bit for you.
I would go ahead with labor, no induction and give it a try. If baby gets stuck, then the OB can switch to a CS instead, but at least you will have tried. They call it "trial of labor" in VBAC. Think of it that way if it helps.
GL!
Weight can come from a number of things. My LO was 9 pounds, but very long.
It's really head circumference that matters more than over all weight.
I agree with pp that I would give it a go and see what happens.
Also delivering baby on your hands and knees opens up your pelvis an extra 20% (I might not have that number exactly accurate), but it does open up your pelvis, giving baby more space than the traditional route of pushing on your back.
Elizabeth 5yrs old Jane 3yrs old
Your position in labor while pushing will also be a factor. If you are in the lithotomy position, your pelvis is restricted in opening to its full breath.
Other positions, particularly birthing on all fours or squatting, provide the most room for the pelvis to expand. This sounds like it would be most helpful to you.
BEST WISHES!!!
Here's an example of what you can find...
https://takingcharge.csh.umn.edu/activities/effective-birthing-positions
It is very rare for you to grow a baby that is too big. Most cases of babies not fitting are due to position of the mother (i.e. giving birth on your back), the use of pain meds making it harder to push effectively and the general impatience of hospitals and care providers to let things progress longer than their standard schedule.
If you are really concerned, then you should do everything you can to not give birth on your back with your legs in the air- that actually makes your pelvis smaller. Giving birth on your hands and knees other similar positions are much more ideal.
The ACOG recommends against inductions and c-sections for "big babies." It is not a medical condition and true macrosomia is only something that you can determine after the baby arrives.
Also, your size and the fact that your are thin has NOTHING to do with your ability to give birth...and, as with macrosomia, pelvis size cannot be determine before labor (except in the case of rickets- which you do not have)...things stretch and grow when you are in labor.
And as you said your measurements are not always accurate...however, don't forget that this is the same with u/s measurements. They can be off 2 lbs in either direction.
Have faith in your body- you were designed to do this. Don't go looking for problems that are not really there.
GL
Edit- Oh, and FWIW, I gave birth to a nearly 10 lb baby at home and have lived to do it again.
Thanks so much for the input, ladies! The labor and delivery book that my OB's office gave me does talk about different positions - including squatting - for delivering a larger baby, so I'll definitely talk to my OB about that next time.
One thing that's making me feel much less worried about being "pressured" into an unnecessary induction (besides the fact that my OB is awesome) is that DH is an ER doctor, and he'll actually be delivering the baby with help from my OB. So obviously he has more of a vested interest in doing what I want and what's really best for me and the baby than any other doctor would. I'll definitely continue to discuss this all with him and hopefully have him come to my next few appointments if we can work them around his schedule.
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