3rd Trimester

Baby measuring big

I’m 35 weeks and measuring 38. His head is in the 97% percentile and my OB is mentally preparing me for a c-section in case I need to. How accurate are these measurements? I’m getting mixed reviews and I’d like a vaginal birth. 

Re: Baby measuring big

  • +/- 2 lbs.  I delivered a baby w/ a 10" head circumference - not everyone is built the same, but in honesty I would not jump the c-section bandwagon!  
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  • To that point too, if you’re not getting an epidural, there are ways you can move to open up the pelvic outlet. Like a diagonal lunge for example. If you are getting an epidural, someone else can assist with moving your legs too. Just a thought
  • The measurements can be off by up to 20%! Plus, babies don’t grow steadily, just like we don’t as kids. Sometimes growth spurts happen. My son was 99% in the womb and is still outside the womb, I vaginally delivered. I did get a 2nd degree tear, but because my dr doesn’t do episiotomies (which I’m against) then I didn’t tear to a 3rd degree luckily. But he didn’t get stuck. 
    I personally wouldn’t jump to a c-section unless your gut told you to go for it once you hit 40 weeks. If they are that concerned for size, I’d argue, then induce me at 38-39 weeks instead so I don’t have to be cut open? And see what they say. Many doctors push for c sections when they are not necessary 
    good luck! 
  • hspghspg member
    You may already be holding your newborn (and if so then congratulations!) but I had a similar situation with my first pregnancy and got scared into the c-section. My 39 week ultrasound said baby would be 9lb 2 oz. The major concern was that his abdomen was measuring >42 weeks and everything else was 38 weeks. He had measured big since 20 weeks. He came out 8 lbs 8 oz and totally normal proportions. No abnormally large abdomen as predicted. Of course, trust your gut and your doctor. If you all feel a c is necessary then do it. But in hind sight I wish I had just asked for another ultrasound with a different tech to see if the numbers matched. So that’s my best advice, ask for a second opinion and another scan if need be. If I end up in this situation again then that’s what I’ll be doing.
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