Big, big baby...

[Taylah]

Had my growth ultrasound today at 32 weeks, 5 days. The baby is weighing in at 6lbs 10ozs. I was floored, I weighed 6lbs at birth and now my son who has 7+ weeks left to grow is bigger than I was when born!!! The U/S tech was a little freaked, as was her collegue who we met in the hallway while discussing it.

Has anyone else had an experience with a baby this big this early? What can I expect? My mom is concerned with me being put on bedrest as his head presses harder on my cervix as he gains weight and that they're going to pressure me to be induced. (I'd rather go full term and do a c-section if necessary to make sure his little lungs have had enough time to develop fully).

I see my doc on Thursday, hopefully I'll get some indications from her on what may be ahead.

On another note - no freaking wonder I'm growing out of my maternity clothes and starting to get "omg you're huge" comments.

[limette]

Growth ultrasound? Is there a reason why you had one?

Weight estimates for ultrasounds are notoriously inaccurate which is why it's a waste of time getting one.

I wouldn't worry about it.

Hell, I'm convinced that this kid is going to be ginormous too, but we'll see when he comes out (vaginally without drugs).

[MammaB21]

Originally Posted by limette

Growth ultrasound? Is there a reason why you had one?

Weight estimates for ultrasounds are notoriously inaccurate which is why it's a waste of time getting one.

I second the above. Growth ultrasounds are said to be off - sometimes even by lbs. I'm curious too why they ordered a growth ultrasound for you? Was it something they were concerned about for a specific reason? Even if you end up having a big baby, that isn't necessarily a bad or dangerous thing. Big babies are born just as easily as small babies most times. It may require a slightly different approach to labor, but it certainly doesn't warrant a csection in my opinion. Good luck, I hope you are able to relax a bit about it.

[somegirl99]

When you talk to your doctor, ask about the accuracy of the ultrasound. My understanding is that they can be up to 2 lbs off.

ETA: how did I get the little party face smiley on my message? that was unintentional.

[smerkin]

I've heard how innacurate those sonos are. And btw, my 5ft. 115lbs. SIL delivered a 10# 3oz. baby completely naturally. Our bodies are amazing and capable of so much we don't give them credit for!!

[hollytheteacher]

DDCC to add, the day before my ds was born they estimated he was 5 pounds with u/s.


He was a hair under 9 lbs!!!! sooooo it was either way off or he gained almost 4 pounds in one day

[Taylah]

I've been having ultrasounds every 4 weeks to keep an eye on his growth. I'm overweight, so fundal height was completely inaccurate so they opted for U/S. I guess I've bought into the whole 'big baby' thing so readily since my husband was a 10lb 3oz baby.

Regardless of his size, I'd like to deliver naturally but they've already warned me that if he's a big baby that I'll be at increased risk for c-section.

[laughymama]

I was told that DS would be at LEAST 8.5 lbs and they said that was a "generously low estimate".

This was one of their reasons for inducing me at 39 weeks. (biiig mistake.)

He was 7 lbs. even.

[MJB]

U/S weight estimates are +/- 2 lbs. so I wouldn't worry about it.
My last babe was 9 lbs. and I expect Edie to be around there, too. I'm a skinny girl with pretty much no butt or hips and I pushed for less than 10 minutes with each of my sons.
I've never heard of anyone being put on bedrest just because the baby is big, and I know a lot of women (mostly smallish) who have had 10 and 11 lb. babies. I attended a birth where the baby was 11 lbs. 5 oz. at 42 weeks, and his birth was lovely and uneventful.
Is there any way you can change providers? I'd be alarmed if a care provider suggested I might need a c-section because my child was big. Especially with the monthly ultrasounds due to your weight; that's ridiculous.

[rightkindofme]

This might be a good time for you to read some books on natural childbirth. It sounds an awful lot like your OB isn't interested in letting you have a vaginal birth and I would do some serious research before you head into labor with someone so unsupportive. A big baby is not a reason to have a c-section automatically. And ultrasounds can be seriously off.

[momtoafireteam]

When DD2 was 10lbs 6ozs, they went a little "hyper" for growth scans with DD3. At 32 weeks she was 6.5lbs as well, but I was trying for a VBA2C and I didnt care what they said. At 34 weeks she was almost 8 lbs.

At 36 weeks she was born after HOURS of IV's (AKA very swollen from fluids) at 6lbs 6ozs. Within 24 hours she shrunk to under 6lbs (she was so bloated). Basic math puts each of those u/s's 2+lbs off each time.

And I have stories like that for every single one of my kids. Some way overestimating, some way underestimating. I dont pay attention to them at ALL now. Oh and BTW- DH was 10lbs, I was 6 and we have had babies from 5'13 to 10'6. I would just put it out of my head and not let it affect you. Even if baby is big, it doesnt mean anything.

Hang in there, mama!

[VillageMom6]

After my 20 week ultrasound my doctor said that this baby is measuring ginormous... and recommended that we induce early so that he wouldn't get "too big" to be born.

I did a little research... learned how inaccurate ultrasounds for size can be... decided I wasn't comfortable with an OB who didn't realize that... and switched to a group of midwives at a different hospital.

I, too, would rather end up with a necessary cesarean at full term than be induced too early for a dubious reason. But I am very confident that my body and baby will do just fine birthing this big guy.

Can't wait to hear your birth story in a couple of months!

[miss_nikki]

My DH was 9lbs 8oz at birth. (I was only 6lbs 14oz) I'm only about 5'1 and pre pregnancy usually weigh around 110. DD 1 was 7lbs 11oz. DD2 was 9lbs 15.7oz. DS was 8lbs 12oz. All were delivered vaginally. And with DD2 (my biggest) I didn't even tear. With DS I had skid mark tears because his head tried to come out all in one push. I had him naturally at home in water. I wouldn't worry about the baby's weight. Your body will do fine. You just need to trust it.

I agree, I think you need to possibly consider other dr options, if possible or at least make sure you have really done your research on delivering naturally and have a doula with you. It doesn't sound like this dr is supportive of a natural birth. And don't forget, if you don't agree with your OB it is OK to tell them no and stand your ground.

[matey]

I agree with having heard multiple times about the inaccuracy of growth scans. I would be extrememly concerned about my dr. suggesting a c section.

[matey]

Also wanted to add, I was very overweight with my son and never required any additional growth scans during pregnancy.

[AmyKT]

Grrrrr... I can't tell you how much I hate these "big baby" scare tactics. My SIL was bulllied with the big baby baloney during her first pregnancy because she is a very petite 5'1. Her OB was already wanting to schedule the c-section, but luckily SIL went into labor 10 days early while her OB was out of town and the attending doc let nature take its course. SIL did deliver a 9.5 pounder, but it was short and easy and without a single tear.

And also, my 30 week u/s (to assess placenta location) showed a 4 lb baby. The U/S tech acted like she was enormous, but my mw said that's 66%ile and perfectly fine, so I think if you were with a different doc or a midwife, they might not be making a big deal. Plus, there's what everyone said about inaccuracy.

DO NOT BE BULLIED OR FRIGHTENED! Sorry to yell, it's just that this tactic makes me very, very angry at OBs.

[HappyMommy2]

I agree. It is totally just a scare tactic to talk you into being induced and c-sectioned. Lots of us are overweight mama! Don't let the doctors scare you with their lies!!!!

I would stop doing u/s ... being overwieght is NOT enough of a reason. Your body will grow a baby that it can deliver! Trust in yourself.

[sweeetpea]

DDC crashing -

My first baby was estimated to be 7 pounds at 34 weeks. She was born four days later at 4 pounds 14 ounces. Estimations of weight - NOT accurate.

Also - I had a birth client in a similar situation as you - big mama, probably growing a big baby, an OB bullying her to schedule a c/s or be induced at 38 weeks. He swore there was NO WAY she would vaginally birth this elephant growing inside her. Mama did NOT was to be induced due to the complications of failed inductions and all the drugs used for induction and refused to schedule a section. She went into labor on her own two days before her "due date" and vaginally birthed a 10 pound 8 ounce baby, with only a little perineal tear. No "failure to descend", no shoulder dystocia. Her OB was not on call, and the on-call doc was supportive of going for vaginal birth.

You might want to ask how many babies over 9 pounds has your OB practice actually delivered vaginally in the last year. If the answer is in the single digits, it might be time to find a practice that actually supports you.

Good Luck!

[trimestersdoula]

Originally Posted by somegirl99

When you talk to your doctor, ask about the accuracy of the ultrasound. My understanding is that they can be up to 2 lbs off.

ETA: how did I get the little party face smiley on my message? that was unintentional.

I was going to post this exact same thing. So if they are saying your baby is 6 lbs 10 oz, it could definitely only be 4 lbs 10 oz, KWIM? The 4 lbs is right on track for what it should be weighing, really.

They told me the day I was induced that my full term daughter was 7 lbs 11 oz. She was born 48 hours later weighing 6 lbs 9 oz.

[trimestersdoula]

And for what its worth, even if you are having a pudgy baby, its OK.....fat squishes really nice!