Delivering a “Big Baby”

Hi ladies. Went in for an ultrasound and team visit the other day. I was told my girl is 99th% and my OB needs me to make a decision on the 24th about medical induction or planned CS for the 27th. I’m only week 37 on Tuesday and was initially planning on induction for week 38/39, giving more time to think things through. Now it’s rush plus the week of Xmas. What I read about big babies is there’s. 15% margin of error and often there are little risks to deliver vaginally. CS on other hand, while it takes the stress of unknown pain tolerance away and guarantees no shoulder dystocia, is still major surgery. This will be my one-and-done child so I don’t necessarily want to be stripped of the delivery just out of fear. Would love to hear thoughts from anyone here who has delivered either route, whether positive or negative.

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My friend consistently had her baby in 99% every ultrasound, and she ended up being 7.5 lbs. She wasn’t induced and had her naturally a week early. On the other hand, my baby was around 75% and ended up being 9.5 lbs. Not sure how much I believe those measurements.

I measured ahead my entire pregnancy and had him at 37+6 and 8.8 lbs unmedicated. My mom gave birth to me at 43 weeks and almost 10lbs. These scans can be extremely inaccurate. Shoulder dystocia can also happen with smaller babies it's more the position than size. I wouldn't let them scare you into a C section, it's very very rare that a woman makes a baby that cannot be birthed naturally.

@Kelsey thank you! This is the reassurance I needed :)

@Susie thanks Susie! I really want to go unmedicated and the fear of induction has been making me second guess my birth preferences. This is so helpful. Did you have good sugar control throughout your pregnancy?

I didn't 😂 this baby had me eating like a crazy person everyday lol. But I didn't have Gestational Diabetes, just consistently measured ahead. I found natural labor quite pleasant 😌 of course my baby wasn't that big at 8.8oz but I have a friend who also went unmedicated and her baby was 9.5lbs and she's tiny 😂

My first baby was on the 89th centile and ended up being born 38+3 at 8lb 2oz and then my second was born at 38+3 and was 6lb 11oz, so they're all so different. My third now is measuring off the charts, but I'm going for a third natural delivery as I only take these growth charts with a pinch of salt and in reality, I really don't want surgery unless medically necessary Make sure you chose something that works for you that you want, oh and I went unmedicated with my first (bigger) one and I don't regret the choice, I tried gas and air with my second but it didn't do anything so I virtually went unmedicated with her too and used a labour comb on my pressure point, which helped. It's not all about the weight, sometimes it's position, but they'll help you to try and achieve your vision as best as possible in my experience!

My measurements were (weirdly enough) spot on. On my last appointment at 34+4 weeks my baby measured approx 3200gr. He was born prematurely at 35+1 weeks at 3440gr so not far off. I had an "elective" CS planned and still went ahead and did that, just earlier. I've put elective in "" because it's called that in the UK, however in the rest of Europe it is medical advice as I have more health issues than just Diabetes. I do not regret it, it was the safest option for me and my baby and I had a very good experience and recovery.

I was told my baby was in the 60th percentile but he was born 10lb 4oz. It was also a natural and smooth birth

@Naomi thanks Naomi. I’m with you on surgery…. My endo winced a little when it was brought up by my OB so I suspect the post op healing could add a pinch of complication for us diabetic mamas… I’m already on board for gas, heat, massage, birth pool and comb and was feeling very confident before my last appointment. Thanks for the reassurance re: positioning too! Much appreciated