Question for BTDT moms

PeggyOlsonFTW · August 2015

I just got back from my first appt. I was talking to the midwife about whether or not I should have an RCS or try for a VBAC. She said as long as I have a smaller baby, I should be fine to have a VBAC. DS was 9lb 9oz with a giant head and I pushed for four hours to no avail. She mentioned that my 40lb weight gain with him might have contributed to his size and I should try to gain no more than 25lbs this time around. So, for those who have given birth to full term babies before, how much weight did you gain and how big was your baby?

cmerribury · August 2015

I haven't given birth to a full term baby, mine was 8 pounds 4 oz. at 3 weeks early. However, it is extremely uncommon for your second baby to be smaller than the first. Also, unless you had gestational diabetes, I can't imagine a 40 pound weight gain contributing to a larger birth weight for your child. 35 pounds is the standard recommended weight gain (though they alter that for those who are under or over weight prior to pregnancy). I gained over 60 pounds with my son, if that is helpful for your calculations.

Jules08 · August 2015

I gained 19lbs with DS and was induced at 38.5 weeks (pre-e). He was 7lb 10oz. DH was 9lbs 5oz at birth and I was 9lbs 4oz, so I was convinced DS would be the same. He probably would have been .5-1 lb more had I gone to 40 weeks.

mrstrax · August 2015

DD was 6#3 at 38w5 but had IUGR and low amniotic fluid starting about week 32 (placental issues). I gained about 25 lbs with an initial BMI of 21.2

According to my OB 25-30 lbs is the recommended amount to gain if you are within a normal BMI/weight range pre-pregnancy, but that they don't worry about it much until there are signs of other issues like GD or PE. Seems like it could be a good goal but idk if it would make enough difference over genetics etc.

K&Elizabeth · August 2015

I gained 35 pounds and DD was 7 lbs and 1 oz. I feel like genetics play a larger role in infant size than maternal weight gain.

PeggyOlsonFTW · August 2015

I feel like I'm going to be more active with this pregnancy, so hopefully I will gain less, but I'm not sure I can avoid the big head/big baby genes. I just really don't want to deal with csection recovery with a 2.5 year old and having to be away in the hospital for 5 days.

fantasticmrsfox · August 2015

I gained about 50 with DS, and he was 8lb 7oz. I am still holding onto about 35 of those pounds going into this pregnancy so I too am trying to eat really healthy and exercise this time around.

MrsCayEye · August 2015

I just had the VBAC discussion with my OB last week. He was very pro VBAC and said I was a really good candidate bc I never got to the pushing phase (emergency CS d/t FHR issues). I gained about 50lbs with DS & he was 8 lb 2 oz with a big head born at 41w1d. I'm really hoping for a VBAC this time too bc I don't want to be in the hospital so long or worry about recovery with a 2.5 yr old either.

littleredx2 · August 2015

I really feel like genetics plays more of a role that maternal weight gain during pregnancy, baring any medical conditions such as GD. My last guy was a 9 pounder and since subsequent babies tend to get bigger, I'm a tad worried about this one lol. I am telling myself that I will remain active this pregnancy and attempt to keep my weight gain to 25 lbs since I'm still holding on to 15 lbs from my previous pregnancies. That would be so much easier if carbs weren't the only things I can eat without feeling sick right now. Blah.

I've gained about the same amount of weight with each of my 3 full term pregnancies but the break down is listed below. My kids birth weights are all over the place though.

DS1 - gained 32lbs, he weighed 7 lbs 6 ozs (born at 39 weeks)

DS2- gained 28 lbs, he was born at 36 weeks so not quite full term weighing 6 lbs 1 oz

DS3 - gained 31 lbs, he weighed 9 lbs 3 ozs (born at 40 weeks)

PeggyOlsonFTW · August 2015

Thanks, ladies!

AnnikaD20 · August 2015

I gained 35 lbs and DS was 7lbs 4oz, born full term. He had a 95th percentile head size though, which probably added a lot of pushing time. I managed to shove him out about 15minutes before the cutoff to getting sent for a c-section, so I almost had your birth story.

It's always a good plan to have a healthy amount of weight gain, but unless you're already a bit overweight, 25 lbs seems hard to do. Good luck with whatever you decide as far as trying for a VBAC or not.

PeggyOlsonFTW · August 2015

@AnnikaD20 I was just looking at the print out they gave me at DS's two year appt last week. At birth, his head was in the 100th percentile!! At two, it's still in the 92nd.

AnnikaD20 · August 2015

At least baby heads are soft and squishy. My kiddo was super cone-headed for a while. I wouldn't let anyone take pictures of him without a hat for a couple days. And yeah, his head is still giant. Bobble-headed toddler club!

Monicagail1 · August 2015

In my first pregnancy I lost about 20lbs (combo of m/s and healthier lifestyle). I also had gestational diabetes. I had a full term vaginal delivery of a 7.13lb baby.

In my second pregnancy I stayed within 5lbs of my prepreg weight, did not have gd, and had a 9.3 baby at 37 weeks (c/s due to breech).

I'm hopeful for a VBAC but I will be monitored closely at the end for size and will be induced due to medical issues. My dr seems to be pro VBAC and even induction under the right circumstances.

Ready4theParty · August 2015

With DD I gained 25 lbs (was overweight to begin with) and had a 7 lb 14 ounce baby.

I think it has a lot to do with genetics and diet during the nine months.

Tippy05 · August 2015

I have 2 boys, both were born 10 days early. My first was 7lb 8oz, my second was 9lbs 1oz. I can only imagine how big this one will be... I gained exactly 30 lbs with each of them.

I'm pretty petite with no "hips" to speak of. I had c-sections for both boys and I'll probably be back for another RCS. We'll see.

imrachellea · August 2015

I gained 45 lbs and DD was born 7lbs 4ozs at 40 weeks 4 days. She's a bit of a peanut, still continues to be on the lean side with a bit of height to her. I was 7lbs 7ozs a week early and DH was 10+ lbs overdue...so genetically DD was significantly smaller than both of us...I'm hoping DH and I just make petite babies, or at least my lady bits hope!

TheBorg7of9 · August 2015

DS 1: I gained about 40, he was a week early, weighed 8.5 pounds. I lost all the weight within 6 months.

DS 2: I gained about 40, he was a week late, weighed 8 pounds, 15 ounces. I lost all but 5 without dieting and just breastfeeding.

Both were vaginal births.

erind228 · August 2015

DD#1 was 9 even , I worked out three times a week up until like 36 weeks.
DS was 9.12
DD#2 was 9.10. All were born 39.5 and beyond and I gained about 40 pounds with each. I agree with the genetics sentiment. I think I just make big babies. Let's hope I don't break 10 pounds with this one.

LynnJess29 · August 2015

I gained about 45-50 pounds with my DD and she was exactly 8 pounds when she was born (vaginal birth). She had a large head, still in the 97th percentile, and I almost had to be cut to go finish pushing her out. I didn't realize the subsequent babies are usually bigger. Hoping #2 stays around DD same birth weight!

emslade982 · August 2015

I gained 38 lbs with my DS. I had a c section at 39 weeks and he was 8#9oz. Head circumference off the charts. I'm 5'3 and medium framed, but my husband was a big 9 lb baby and still is a big guy (6'3, 210). I'm guessing genetics played a big role with my little guy. He's still a big boy. We will see what happens this time around. Subsequent babies tend to be bigger right?

momofmanyinthemitten · September 2015

#1 DD: 7#1oz 7 days early c/s
#2 DS: 8#13oz 3 days early VBAC
#3 DD: 7#8oz 7 days early VBAC

My first VBAC was not pleasant. I'm small and he was big. I decided to hire a doula for my second VBAC and it was the best decision ever. She has a great history of birthing big babies from small moms. DD2 was out in 2 pushes. If you can swing it, it might be worth talking to some doulas.

corrierw · September 2015

I gained 25 and my daughter weighed 8 lbs, delivered at 41 weeks

RNJH2010 · September 2015

My first was born on his due date, gained 40 lbs and he was 8 lbs 2 oz
My second was born the day before his due date, I had GD and only gained about 15 lbs. He was 7 lbs 12 oz. I definitely feel like my lack of weight gain caused his lower weight.

amaniupendo · September 2015

I gained 23 pounds and had a 6 lb 13 oz baby the first time. I want to keep to no more weight gain (I started higher this time). I think the size had to do with genetics. My fundal height was always behind but she measured fine at 38 weeks--she was just cramped in there.

cmjenkies · September 2015

DS was born 39w3d and weighed 8lb 4oz, I gained north of 60# with him - MD never said anything about it but I wasn't thrilled to say the least. I'm really watching this time around to stay in the 15-25# gain range as I'm already 25# heavier to start this pregnancy than I was with my first.

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