Baby Measuring 10 pounds 8 ounces at 38 weeks...What should I do???

[MissLisa82]

My doctors have been concerned about my baby measuring big for a few weeks, always measuring 3-4 weeks ahead based on using the tape measure on the outside of my abdomen.  They had me get an ultrasound yesterday, I am 38 weeks and the baby is estimated to be 10 pounds 8 ounces.  They are worried that the baby cannot be delivered naturally because the head and shoulders are too big.  This is my first baby and I do not want a c-section but my doctor is making it sound like I will have to have one.  I don't even know how my baby got so big.  I was overweight before pregnancy but I have only gained 14 pounds this entire pregnancy and this baby is supposed to be over 10 pounds, that just doesn't seem right.  I was wondering is they could induce me now so the baby doesn't get any bigger but I don't know if there really is a huge risk with my baby being so big?  I am really scared now and just don't know what to do.  I really really do not want a c-section unless it is truly what is best for the baby.  I hear women deliver babies this big naturally all the time, right?

Any advice or similiar stories would be greatly appreciated.

[MissLisa82]

I just wanted to update all of you that helped me so much with the advice and comments you wrote to me while I was struggling with my decision on the c-section.  My baby girl was born by c-section on 3/27/11.  She ended up only weighing 8 pounds, 15 ounces, which shows how incredibly off the ultrasounds can be.  The ultrasound said she was 10 pounds, 8 ounces.  Granted, an almost 9 pound baby is not small but really is not that large either.  Had I known her actual size I would have waited for natural labor.  She would have grown a bit more by then but I think I still would have been able to deliver her with no complications.  It is such a shame that my first baby had to born by an unnecessary c-section.  In the county that I live in they do not allow a VBAC either so I may never get to have a natural birth.  Oh, and I was just told that I must wait at least one year now before trying for baby #2.  I really wish they had told me all of this before I had the c-section.  I hope that if any of you ever have to face a similiar situation you can learn from my experience.

[Michele, Katy, TX]

I want to say, first, that I am so sorry that this is not going the way that you had wanted.  I know that's hard.  Especially with it being your first.  But you have 2 opinions and you sound like you have made a very WELL thought out decision.  What a great mommy already!!!  Despite your delivery disappointments, I am soooo excited for you that you will be a mommy come Sunday.  Once you see that baby's face, the "how" won't even matter anymore.  Congrats and good luck!!!  Don't forget to update and post pics when you are feeling up to it :)

[prayingforpatience]

Congratulations on being a mommy this weekend!  I delivered my son vaginally at 10lbs 1oz.  We didn't know he was that big before I had him.  I pushed for 2 1/2 hours to have him and they ended up extracting him with a vacuum which we didn't want to do because of the risks.  He was fine physically, but he screamed the entire time he was in the hospital.  So much so that he went home hoarse.  I think it was from the traumatic delivery.  

I can tell you without doubt, that had I known he was going to be so big, I would have asked for a c-section.  Not for me, but for his safety.  So much could have gone wrong.  I actually talked to my doctor with this one about having a c-section if she was going to be big.  Well, she is on the same path as her brother based on ultrasounds.  Instead and based on another condition as well, I will be induced at 38 weeks already.  She won't be as big as yours when born though.  

Please know that you are doing the right thing for your baby. It wasn't your plan, but a healthy baby is so much more important.  Good luck to you!  Can't wait to see pictures.

[foreverpoppy9]

Good Luck! I Just wanted to say I"m all for vaginal births however I am also an operating room nurse and do several c-sections, if your doctor is recommending i then there is a definate reason. You can't just look at the size of the baby you have to look at the womens body as well, to see if her pelvis will support a large baby through the birth canal. I"m glad you are doing the section, it sounds to me that its the best option in your situation.  Best wishes! and Congrats!

[Ezkg]

Good luck! Sounds like a well thought through decision. I know how hard it is to make a decision like this... But you are doing the right thing.
The first few days are hard after the op, but it does get a lot easier. After a couple of weeks you will start feeling like yourself abd before you know it you will be able to everything like normal. from what I've heard the first few days are hard no matter how you deliver!
Enjoy motherhood! Please update us when you can.

[MissLisa82]

Thank you all for your comments.  I talked to both my doctors again and they are willing to let me wait and try for a vagnal delivery but they both recommend the c-section.  They explained all the risks in more detail this time.  Since I am not dialated at all, have had no contractions we feel that I am not going to deliver anytime soon and baby is just getting bigger and bigger.  After many discussions with my husband and family, a lot crying, and much praying we have decided to go ahead and scheduled the c-section for this Sunday.  This is not at all how I wanted my delivery to be especially for my first baby but we feel that it is not worth even the smallest risk to my baby.  I would not be able to live with myself if I waited and delivered vaginally and the baby had any problems because of it.  So, though the circumstances are not ideal, I will be a mommy come this Sunday!