Today I went to my 12 week appointment and my dr informed me that because my previous pregnancy I had a large baby (9 lbs 9oz) that it is likely I will have another. I gained 38 lbs and had no issues during labor or delivery. We were both healthy. She said that I need to gain 25 lbs this time to keep the babies weight down. Mind you I am 5'8 and weigh 129 when I got pregnant. She also told me that if they think the baby is big they will induce me a week or two early.
I'm super upset about the whole thing. I think it's rude and not even medically necessary to say any of it. I'm curious if someone else has experienced this. I'm against early induction and with my last pregnancy I gained regardless of what I ate. I ate healthy and was active I'm a teacher on my feet all day and went on walks all the time.
Any similar experiences?
Re: Having larger babies
I always thought that the size of the mother isn't necessarily a reflection of the baby. I, of course, am not a Dr so I could very well be mistaken. My friend gained a whopping 65 pounds and her baby was only 7lbs at delivery.
I agree that it seems really rude of the Dr to say that. I would be looking at different docs quite honestly.
BFP 1: 9/15/2013 | DD 5/23/2014
BFP 2: 9/15/2015 | EDD 5/26/2016
No, on so many levels. As PP said, your weight gain is not indicative of the baby's size. And to induce early labor because of measurements is BS, as another PP said, they can't even give you an accurate reading on the weight.
Did you have an exceptionally tough time delivering your first baby? Like, something else that might be causing concern?
I exercised probably 4-5x a week with DS and ate relatively well (maybe too much peanut butter but...). I gained 50 pounds. A lot of it was water in the last trimester, I think. But it was what it was and my doctor wasn't concerned. After getting through first tri with this pregnancy, I think my body is just pre-disposed to a certain weight gain when pregnant. I'm gaining exactly the same as I did with DS and my eating habits are totally different. I think sometimes our bodies are just going to do what they do.
Anyway, I would tell them as long as it's not a medical necessity you do not want to be induced and want to go as long as is safe for you and baby. I can't imagine size alone is a valid reason to induce if there are no other issues going on.
One of my friends had 3 babies that were all on the larger size (all in the 9-10 lb range), but each was a little smaller than the last. She went past 40 weeks each time and had no issues whatsoever with delivery.
Eta: Unless there's a legitimate medical concern, I think it makes sense for you to do what you feel is best for you and baby, and if that means not inducing 1-2 weeks early, definitely tell your doctor that! She might have other reasons that she didn't explain the first time around.
I will do what's best for baby and if I medically need to I will but I'm going to go about this pregnancy the same as I did before. Thanks for the support ladies!!
Regarding the weight gain, general advice is to gain around 25 pounds. Maybe your doctor was trying to give you a lot of info really quickly and didn't clarify very well. My suggestion would be to write down your questions and concerns about these issues for your next appointment. Maybe consult WebMD to see if it's normal to suggest induction after birthing a big baby.
Hope you get more info!
Granted mine both came early, but overall I felt their approach was more about dealing with crisis if it arises instead of creating crisis which is what your doc seems to be doing.
I've known plenty of women who have gained 50+ lbs and had average size children. Was your 1st also taller than average therefore proportionate for weight? I only ask because you are on the tall side so it's very possible it's just genetics.
The other problem I have is the fact that inductions greatly increase the likelihood of a c-section, and if the chances of you having a c-section are already increased due to a large baby (but you had no problems last time, so really they're not) then why increase that chance even more?
Also, there has been so much research done recently showing the benefits for the baby when they are able to stay in until as close to 40 weeks as possible.
I was induced at 37 weeks due to pre-e and I would not wish the hell of pitocin on my worst enemy, and I was about 1 hour from getting a c-section when DD decided to make her appearance. So I would definitely get a second opinion.
DS: Born 5-17-16
Our Miracles: BFP- May 14, 2015... diagnosed with SCH. Collapsed Sac- May 29, 2015. Determined to be failed twin tetraploidy pregnancy.
"Never in my arms, Always in my heart"