Big baby

The last time I had a scan at 20 weeks baby boys tummy was measuring big so I had to have the glucose test which came back negative so at 28 weeks I had my first growth scan out of 3 and the said that this time baby boys head and tummy are both measuring big and his leg isn’t quiet on the top line but it’s not on the middle where it should be so if he proceeds to measure big I might need to start thinking about a c section. The thought of having a c section absolutely terrifies me because the thought of someone cutting 7 layers and then putting their hands inside me grosses me out plus it’s a big surgery and I’ve never had to have surgery before but the consultant said that it would be safer for me and baby. My partner only gets 2 weeks off work for paternity leave and the healing time for c sections are much longer so I’m worried if that was the case I’d potentially struggle to look after baby boy. I’m struggling with the thought of potentially needing a c section as it’s not the birth plan I wanted - I wanted a unmedicated birth maybe just gas and air so it’s the complete opposite. Has anyone else been in the same boat or similar situation.

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My boy was measuring big at his growth scans. I was never pushed for a c-section or induction though and he was born at 41+2 weighing 9lbs 14oz so a big boy. Labour was fine and actually smoother than my first who was 7lbs 15oz. Obviously all situations are different but just because they're big doesn't always mean you can't have a natural birth. Advocate for yourself and if you don't want a c-section done let them pressure you,

The scans aren’t always accurate. It’s your decision what birth you have x

I had the same as you during pregnancy and they offer to you induction of labour early which didn’t work for me so I asked for a c-section, it was pretty smooth and you don’t feel anything!!! Even after I hardly took any pain relief and after a week or 2 I was moving around. They will tell you to walk around and do the basics and to only lift your baby and nothing heavy but I’m 5 weeks after having a c-section and I feel fine! It was the thinning blood injections I hated! Not everyone gets them though. It depends on your pain tolerance. Could your partner take holiday as well? My partner did as well 2 weeks mat leave and that made a big difference! He was off the whole month which helped. But it is your choose at the end of it. They can’t force you but only give you options, do what’s best for you 😊

I had a emergency c section after over 24 hours of hard labour, surgery is honestly my worst fear in the entire world it makes me so anxious. The c section was the easiest part of the entire birth, couldn’t feel a thing and was over in less than 10 minutes! My partner also only had 2 weeks off work, the first 2 weeks is the hardest while your healing so really take advantage of having him with you. Just take it easy, prioritise sitting on the couch with your baby for the first month. Im 5 weeks PP and honestly I’m having minimal pain, been out walking 5K sometimes a day, feeling good 🤍 you’ve got this!!

The growth scans are often so inaccurate, and tummy measurements aren’t an issue. Also, c section recovery is not always ‘much longer’, my first was an emergency section after a 72 hour labour, naturally I was exhausted. My partner went back to work 5 days later and I was already able to do all care for my son, back doing the washing, going for walks and general house tidying etc. I was so adamant that I didn’t want a c section but actually, it’s not as bad as others will make you think (the most negative people have usually never had one so have no clue what they’re talking about) I even ended up choosing to have an elective for my second baby.

Why would your body make a baby that’s too big to be born? If you wait till they’re ready to be born, ie in Labour, wait at home for as long as you can then make your decision. A baby who starts Labour by themselves (on probability) has much stronger lungs than otherwise. You can do this 💪 it’s unfair when the seed of doubt is planted. Also scans can be 15% inaccurate… and you can refuse them as they don’t often pick up issues…. Just for an alternate view x

My first baby was 9#10oz at 37 weeks I was induced for preeclampsia. I had no problems what so ever pushing him out. This one is measuring in the 97th percentile at 32 weeks he measured over 7lbs and 39 weeks. Now my belly is measuring well over 40 weeks. I wouldn’t be surprised if he is 12lbs if he goes full term. I deny a C-section, and my doctors doesn’t offer elective inductions. You got this.

Scans aren’t always accurate as I found out- was advised the same as they thought our boy was 9lb 9 at 38 weeks. I also did not want a section but agreed to an induction at 39 weeks, my body clearly wasn’t ready because they tried everything and I would not go into labour. In the end I had a section which although I didn’t want that it was my decision as it wasn’t an emergency. I don’t mind now at all and it wasn’t a bad experience for me and my partner. I hadn’t planned on having a section so hadn’t thought about recovery- it is tough but I expect stitches down below arnt comfortable either. I felt much better and could do most things by 2 weeks and that’s when my partner went back to work also. It is your choice though x

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