delivering a big baby

[satch]

Last week I had a growth scan and the estimated weight of the baby was 7lbs 13ozs - I was 36 +4. They said that they put on 1/2lb per week, so I guess he's probably now around 8lbs 5 ozs (at 37 +4).

I'm getting more and more anxious about the birth and whether it will all fit!

Anyone else been in a similar situation? what happened?

satch xxx

 

[hennaly]

8.5lb is a pretty avarage size baby so i wouldnt worry, my biggest was over 10lb and i had no problems, having said that it all depends on your body as i know of people who have had small babies and hard a hard time, worrying about it will make you tense and isnt good for you so relax hun and try not to worry

 

[MummyJess]

Hiya. I've had 2 big babies.

My middle daughter was 9lb 5oz and was born in a birthing pool at home. The labour was about 4.5 hours and uncomplicated. I had no stitches and delivered her into the water naturally with only gas and air.

My younger daughter was 10lb. Her head circumference was 38cm and her shoulders were 40cm. The labour was quick and easy, again at home and in the water. Unfortunately once her head was out, the midwives realised her shoulders were stuck and had to intervene.

We both ended up quite bruised but were both fine and didn't have to be transferred to hospital. She did lose a fair bit of weight after she was born and took a little longer than usual to regain her birth weight but apparently that is quite normal for larger babies.

Obviously I raised my concerns this time around about whether I could expect another large baby. My midwife has said that I will almost certainly go big again (he's already on the large side). However, apparently it is not hospital policy in my area to do growth scans so I pretty much being left to it, which I'm quite cross about.

At least they are taking you seriously and you are being well monitored. Is there an underlying cause, such as gestational diabetes?

We have decided to go with a hospital birth this time around, although I would rather be at home. My OH is nervous about the birth and I guess it's best to be on the safe side if the baby gets stuck.

Good luck hun, keep us informed. Hope I haven't scared you with my second story - I am sure you will do fine.

 

[satch]

I had a glucose tolerance test at 28 weeks which came back negative, but they're sending me for another one next week incase I've picked it up later on in pregnancy.

I've pretty much cut out sugar for the past week just incase.

Hopefully I'll get an appointment for a growth scan for next week aswell and they'll give me more information. I tend to find that they tell you the results, give you little graphs etc but don't actually tell you what might happen.

 

[MummyJess]

I was told that growth scans are inaccurate and that is why they won't give me one. I don't know if this is true or not but I do know that doctors will very seldom say anything for definite! They don't like to be wrong!

Hope your GTT goes well and your baby's growth slows. It's worth remembering that just like when they are born, babies will have periods of rapid growth and slow growth, so there's always a chance things may even out a little.

 

[aramintalovegrove]

I had a growth scan and was predicted a whopping 11lb baby at term, she came out 8lb 5.5
There are a few past posts in this section where lots of mums have stated their predicted huge babies came out a reasonably average size, dont sweat it hun your body will do its thing if you do get a biff baby.

 

[peanut1982]

I had a natural delivery with my 9lb 2oz baby boy. His head was 39cm circumference too which is quite big I think. Still amazed at what my body managed to do!
Try not to worry hun,
S x

 

[Xena]

I had a 10lbs 10oz baby, and a 10lbs 1oz baby. Both vaginally.

Your body just copes.

 

[Sherlock]

I pushed out an almost 10lber and it was fine Natural birth and while I tore it was a second degree and healed fine.

Don't fret, your body is designed to cope. Women tend to birth babies of a size they can deliver. Natures way I've been told and read its generally easier to push out a larger baby than a smaller one. More to push against.

 

[caz2008]

my daughter was 7lb 10 and a half and she was very hard to get out they had to use suction cup... but with my so he weighed 8lb 14 and he was much easier to push out i didnt need any assistence, Im sure you will be fine