C-Section vs. Natural

I am concerned.  This is my first pregnancy, I am a large woman by nature (6ft tall, plus size).  My baby is also going to be quite large.  He is 36 weeks today and weighed in at an estimated 8lbs. 6 ounces.  I had a substitute doctor while my doctor was on vacation and he came into the room and just blurted out that I was going to have a mandatory c-section.  Well I had not discussed this with my own doctor and was quite alarmed.  I am very concerned because I am a diabetic (prior to being pregnant) and I am worried about the risk of infection and healing with a c-section.  At the same time I am also concerned because I don't want to worry about him getting stuck in the birth canal and then forcing an emergency c-section. I am very very concerned now and frankly scared. Does anyone have any experience with large baby pregnancies, c-sections, etc?

[carolyn55806]

OK this is is a huge pet peeve of mine. I understand that SOMETIMES babies get too large and there is a need for a c-section. That said, I think it is rare for that to happen and some doctors are WAY too c-section happy. It is safe to say that most women don't grow babies that are too large for their bodies. And the fact that you are built largely actually gives you a better chance of being able to deliver a large baby. I know 3 women, count 'em, THREE, who were told by their docs that they had to have c-sections because their babies had gotten too large. When the babies came out, all three of them were UNDER 9 lbs, which is not at all an overly large baby. A c-section may be needed if the baby is over 11 lbs,  but doctors often underestimate women's ability to give birth. My sister was told she may need a c-section (she is 6 foot and is large and has a large husband) and she refused and had a wonderful birth----no episiotomy or tearing-----and her son was 10 lbs. My mother in law is a tiny woman who gave birth naturally to five boys. The smallest was nine pounds, 5 oz.
Please, please understand that YOU are in control. This is your body, your baby and your birth experience. Talk to your doctor about your concerns and make it clear that you dont want to schedule a c-section. If he or she INSISTS that you must, then find a different doctor, because they are WRONG. Once last thing--- a common misconception regarding how difficult it will be getting the baby out is that the more they weigh, the harder it is. This is not true most of the time. It is THE HEAD that could cause problems mostly....and the head size usually is not at all associated with how much it weighs. My sister-in-law had a horrible time giving birth to a 7 lb baby because her head was SO big. I had a 9.5 lb son that was  a breeze to give birth to. Keep us updated.

[mimik]

Yeah. I think anything under 9 lbs isnt that big. My dd was 8 lbs 2 oz and she was 3 weeks early! Never once did my dr say i had to have a csection because she was too big. I did however have one for medical reasons. If thats NOT what you WANT and you DONT feel compfortable....DONT do it!!!! Good luck

[Stacie30]

i'd discuss it with your "real" doctor before becoming too alarmed.there may be reasons for it that the "substitute" doctor didn't tell you. I've had 3 c-sections. my children were 10 lbs 7.5 oz, 9 lbs, and 8lbs 15oz. I had my first one because my son was going to be too large for the birth canal (an ultrasound showed him to be 11 1/2 lbs) I'm glad I did because, while he was 10 7.5, his head was so large they had to use forceps to get him out by c-section.... so, it may be that they are worried about head/shoulder size more than they are the baby's actual weight....

just remember- no doctor can make you do something you don't want to do. just make sure you're COMPLETELY informed by a doctor you trust before you say no to the c-section.

[shubunkin]

i agree.......doctors do sections way too much.my second child was 8lb4oz and i had him no problem. Ultrasounds are known to be off on size also. My little bitty mom who was 5 ft 4 inches and 115lb had a whopping 10lb4oz boy naturally! do not let them push you into anything! It is your say!

[TwinkyPants]

Hi,
I had a c-section with my 1st, I was scared and did whatever my Dr told me to do. I look back and I am mad, I think it was unessary. My boy weight 8'8. With my 2nd I wanted all natural child birth. I talked with my Dr about for all those months I seen him. He was on my side and I loved it. Then I went in 2 weeks before my due date and this is what he said "Your baby is to big, you need a c-section, I am going on a cruise and we will do it after I get back. I'll have my nurse get a date for you." I left crying, he wouldn't even let me try!! I went to my aunts Dr, it was a family clinic that was a birthing center. I was amazed that the Dr took me with only 2 weeks to go. I ended up having my boy, I only pushed for a hour. He was 9'7 and beautiful. There was a girl that was next door, she had the same "old" Dr as I did, and told her the SAME thing. Her baby was 6lbs. I think this Dr was in it for $$$$ and maybe a power trip. I felt so much better after a natural child birth then a c-section. I was in the hospital for a week after the section, I went home that night after my 2nd. Now I'm pg with my 3rd and I cant go back to the birthing center because I had a section and they just passed a rule saying if ever a section I cant birth there because I would rip. GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRrrrrrrrrrrrrrr!!!
Talk to your reg Dr and see what he says. I think Dr that say "its too big" and wont let you try. Should be kicked in the head.

[polley]

I PREFER NATURAL BECAUSE OF THE RISKS. THERE WAS A STUDY ON THIS IT WAS ON THE NEWS TODAY. BESIDES I DELIVERED A 10LB 5 OZ BABY BOY 3 YEARS AGGO AND I DID IT NATURAL. GOOD LUCK. I DO UNDERSTAND IF ITS NECESARY FOR YOU OR THE BABY'S SURVIVAL AND I HAVE NEVER HAD A C-SECTION DONE.

[little piggy 2]

thats funny everyone wants natural and im begging for a c-section. im having twins and already have 3 children that are teenagers that were all delivered natural at over 9lbs each but now that im older(34 years) i want the easy way out, schedule c-section and im done. my doctor told me he wont schedule unless necessary. he said i could do natural as long as there positioned right. YIKEEEEES! im so nevous. im 20 weeks and praying there both breech. lol!

[BabyJrsMom]

My dr. told me I could have a c-section if I wanted because I had Gestational diabetes and high blood pressure.  He also told me there would be a 75% chance I'd have to have one anyway because of that.  I wanted to go natural and he said fine, as long as all stay good.
Well he induced me, I was in labor for almost 9 hours, no problems with the blood pressure.
I had stopped dialating at 4 cm.  I stayed that way for 4 hours and he said he would like to do a c-section.  I agreed....and good thing The baby was stuck!!!!!

If you don't want to do a c-section, try to go natural first, but with the understanding,....it may go that way.

[goatgirl]

I saw this post and thought I would comment based on my experience.  My first son was born two years ago by c-section.  I was one day past my due date when the doctor did an ultrasound to see how the baby was doing.  At that time she estimated his weight to be at least 10 pounds and strongly recommended he be delivered the next day by c-section.  My son was born weighing 10lbs. 1 oz. and during the delivery the doctor told me that she was glad we did the c-section because my son had very broad shoulders and the cord was wrapped around his neck.  I was thankful he arrived healthy and tried not to think about what would have happened if I had tried to deliver naturally and he had gotten stuck in the birth canal with the cord wrapped around his neck.  I know c-sections aren't for everyone, and yes they are probably performed more often than necessary, but for me it was the right decision.  My advice would be to wait until you can see your regular ob/gyn and discuss your delivery options with them.  My second baby is due in January and I do plan on having another c-section.

[mimik]

I had a Section and I dont see it as " Taking the easy way out" The recovery is long,and painfull. You can either go through the hrs of pain vaginally or go through the weeks of pain with a section.

[mgi]

lovinmom - who comes on here time to time is expecting twins and insists in vaginal - she is researching docs
generally twins are each smaller so giving birth vaginally would be easier - cause they will be smaller than your first 3
my opinioon also - don't you think you'd have a harder time caring for twins if c-section
I really wish you the best

[jennbarr76]

Thank you everyone for your opinions on the matter.  i have always wanted to just have a regular vaginal delivery and the thought of a c-section scared me.  Just because of the fact that I am a diabetic and I am worried about infection/healing with c-sections.  

I did go to see my doctor today for my appointment.  She is concerned about the size of his shoulders.  His head is measuring normal but apparently the rest of him, legs, stomach, etc are measuring large.  She said she's only concerned with his shoulders possibly getting stuck.  

I told her that I was willing to do whatever necessary to deliver a healthy baby but I had my reservations about a c-section.  She agreed with me and wasn't gung ho with the idea...she was hoping that I would go ahead and start labor this week.  I was completely thinned out and only a fingertip dilated today at the appointment.  

My mother had three of us (9lbs., 10lbs 2 ounces, and 11 lbs. 2ounces) and she never had any complications.  I am larger than my mother and have a larger frame so that was my concern that I didn't want them to jump the gun on making me have a c-section when it really wasn't necessary.  

I will keep you all updated...thank you for your support. I am praying that God will do whatever is right in this situation.

[cinnamonheart]

Dont get alarmed talk to your own doctor first maybe there is a medical reason for the section.
You got to do what you have to do for the safety of you both
Natural is preffered but many women have been through a section and survived
I have had three.
It seems scary especially if its your first, Im sure all will be fine!!
And look at the prize you'll have when your through!

[waterskigirl]

All of you that have a choice are very lucky, I have no choice but to have a c-section because I have a a bicorneute uterus and the baby will most likely be breech.  I was very lucky with my first son that I did have a c-section because if I had tried to deliver him naturally, we probably would have both died due to other complications.  On the plus side I had a very short recovery, I was up and walking that night.  As for the twin issue, my mom delivered twins naturally and one was breech, but they were only 2 1/2 lbs each.

[Mediteranean Girl]

Guess what? I'm having a boy and a girl like you !!! I couldnt believe it when the Dr said "you got one of each". I had tears in my eyes. Because most of the twins i know are either 2 boys or 2 girls, it's rare when u see a boy and a girl. Even my Dr. told me the samething. I'm so thankful.
Stay in touch

[little piggy 2]

YEAH! i am so excited for you. how are you feeling? any names yet? arent we blessed. yours are not in-vitro is it?

[Mediteranean Girl]

no it was not an IVF, My husband's family got lots of twins (his father was a twin, his brother got twins and his niece just had twins last month !!) not my family though. I Also took Clomid, so i dont know :)
Do u have heartburn? any swelling? waht about back pain?
We havent decided abou the names yet, but we have made a list.

[little piggy 2]

back pain- YES! i work at a fast pace restraunt where i am a waitress so the swelling is bad at night after work but in the morning im fine. they are taking me off work around oct12th. not by my choice but its best for the little ones. what about you?

[cinnamonheart]

Ask your own doctor
Maybe there is a reason for it.(maybe its your diabetes)
I have had 3 sections and last one had gestational
diabetes
Mine were 8.8. 8.10 and 7.1
Im sure the doctors will only do whats best for you both
Dont be afraid -You can remain awake through the procedure and see the birth of your child.
Natural is best but if for some reason you need a section Its not the end of the world and you will recover

[Stacie30]

c-section recovery really isn't all that bad. i've had 3 of them and the recoveries were all a snap. they give you really good pain meds. LOL. the worst thing as far as pain went was the constipation. just thought I'd put my two cents in.

[melstyles]

Hey,
I had a c-section with my son and the healing time was not that bad.
The reason i had to have one was because his head was hitting my pelvis everytime that I would push.
I also started going into shock...
Bad doctor, found that out the hard way.
Anyway all were healthy and happy.
But everyone is right alot of doctors seem to want to take the easy way out and do the section.
Don't worrie until you talk to your own doctor

[jamiescrew]

I would like to post my experience with my last section. My Haylie was born on August 25th 2005. weighing in at 6lbs 14oz. First of all I would like to tell you that there are risks. First of all this was my 3rd section and my 4th girl (got my tubes tied! Thank god. Anyway I know everyones experience is different and I am not trying to scare you but just letting you know the risks. I have had no problems with any of my sections except my last one. First my uterus was not contracting after my section so they had to give my 2 shots which stopped the bleeding and they thought I was going to have to go back to surgery to have it removed. Then the next day I got up and was walking and my incision started bleeding needless to say he had to open my incision up and cartarize me which now my incision is still open, I had to be on a wound vac for 2 weeks and now I have to do a moist to dry everyday, which at first homehealth had to come everyday and do, but they taught me how to do so i have to do that until it is healed. It has been almost a month and the doctor says it will probably take about another month to heal which sucks! I also have an infection in it for which I am on an antiobotic for. So like I said I was just trying to tell everyone my experience but everyone is different. Good luck to all and if you want to see my new addition you can visit this website:

www.christusstmichael.org and just enter her bday 08/25/05.

Haylie Nicole A.

[little piggy 2]

what are you having? ive been waiting to hear from  you on here so i could find out. im just nervous im sure when it comes down to it that ill try natural. my ivf doctor told me that twins usually come c-section so i guess i already had a mind set. cant wait to hear

[Mediteranean Girl]

I'm 22 weeks pregnant with twins too, at the beginnign my Dr. told me that a C-section is inevitable with twins. Since i had no experience I thought that i dont have choice, but then i went and did some research and talked to people and found out that eventually i can have a vaginal birth even with twins. Last time i went to see my Dr. I told him and he was like well, let's see when you are 36 weeks then we can decide, he said that it depends on the babies position... I'm not totaly against C-section but i prefer natural birth as MGI said it will be easier for me to care for my babies if i have a vaginal sine it doesnt take long time to heal
good luck everyone

[Grandma Tammy]

I just had to say that I personally don't see having a c-section as an easy way out.  I had my first vaginally, my second c-section and my third a v-back.  The c-section was by far the most difficult.  Recovery time and pain was MUCH greater.  

Also, a woman can have a large frame but may not be big enough.  It all depends on the size and shape of the pelvis.

Best wishes to you which ever way it goes.  Congratulations and enjoy that beautiful baby!

[lmroswell]

I had my two naturally, but my bladder has been paying the price for it ever since.  I guess my muscle tone is not very good.  I wish I had a section, then I would not have the weak bladder issues that I have, which by the way, impact me in my day to day life, every day...I know there are ways to fix it, someday I will...