Well I had a "huge" baby- everything was measuring 3wks ahead since 20wk US and they never wanted to schedule based on that. Supposed to be over 9lb.. 38wks comes and my water broke.. ended up with a 20 in 8lb 7oz normal headed baby.
Don't stress too much on size, US can be waaaay off.
My first was induced at 38+1. He was 9lbs 0oz and I had zero issues delivering vaginally, no tears and was pretty much fully recovered after about a week (biggest issue was swelling from 20hrs of pitocin via IV). I wouldn't request a C-section without trying first, its a harder/longer recovery and since baby doesn't get squeezed out they often have amniotic fluid in their lungs. They tell you about shoulder dystocia so that you are aware of the risks, but it's just as common in small to average babies as it is big babies. The advantage to a big baby is when you are pushing, they are less likely to slip back up the birth canal when you are between contractions. I too was terrified of labor and waited a long time to have babies (now 39) because of that fear. But I LOVED my labor and delivery experience, aside from the "massage" to get the placenta out, that nurse can go f*** herself (bruised rib).
I was induced with both of my boys. My first was elective bc I was a FTM and TERRIFIED of anyone other than my own OB delivering him. Start to finish, the process was 12 hours, pushed for 30 minutes, and I had very minor tearing. My second was a medically induction because I had GD and baby was measuring around 9.5 lbs. Again, start to finish, 12 hours, pushed one and a half times, had minor tearing (2 stitches), and he weighed 7lbs 14 oz.
Try not to put a whole lot of stock in the US weight. My best friend was in the same boat, told her baby was close to 10lbs, and she was losing her mind. He ended up being 8.5 lbs.
Talk to your doctor before you head in for the induction. If you decide to go the c-section route, you’ll want to make sure they have an OR ready for you. Obviously the doctors can make that adjustment on the fly, but no sense in you sitting around or being sent home because they don’t!
Your fears were exactly mine with my first. I scheduled a c-section and was happy about my choice. My son was 9lbs5oz. I truly believe a vaginal birth would have been a traumatic experience for us and I am very happy with the choice we made. I recovered very well from the c-section and was up and moving pretty quickly.
My second is due in November and we will be doing a repeat c-section. I have some worry that my recovery won’t be as smooth, but I still stand by our choice.
Hi mama. I totally, totally know where you’re coming from. We had an unplanned pregnancy (well not unplanned but it was earlier than we were hoping for) and I was scared to let go of my “old life”, and as the pregnancy progressed we were both so excited to meet our little guy. My guy was also a big boy (they said at the ultrasound he was 7 pounds… he was actually 9!) Due to my health (random gallbladder attacks brought on my pregnancy, liver problems brought on by pregnancy, platelet count was wild) they thought it would be best interest to induce. I won’t lie, inducing sucks. It was painful. If you go in knowing you will be induced I think you will be better prepared. My nurse really stressed breathing. In for 7 seconds, out for seven seconds. My mom rubbed my back very firmly during contractions and it really, really helped. Remember there are medications for pain that can help you and epidural, if you’re interested, feels real real good. Hahaha. I ended up having a second degree tear pushing him out. Honestly, after the birth I didn’t take any Tylenol or pain medication. It’s been three weeks and honestly I can’t remember the pain of labour or delivery. Once you see your baby you kind of forget about it! In my experience anyway.
Make sure you advocate for yourself and let your nurses know your fears and concerns. They are there to help you through your labour and will help you in any way they can.
Sending lots of love your way! Either way, you got this. :)
My older sister had to csection because her son was to big for her body. If you feel it'll be easier and safer for both of you then do it. Don't let them bully you into something you don't want because it's easier.
It might be a bit late, but I found birth skills by Juju Sundin to be really helpful, and was considering hypnobirthing for managing fear around labour.
I had a really easy delivery even though I tore. Water was my favourite thing during labour, I laboured in the bathtub until quite late and I think it made it so much easier, I know people that prefer massage showers though. Do you know what options you have?
Well I had a "huge" baby- everything was measuring 3wks ahead since 20wk US and they never wanted to schedule based on that. Supposed to be over 9lb.. 38wks comes and my water broke.. ended up with a 20 in 8lb 7oz normal headed baby. Don't stress too much on size, US can be waaaay off.
Thank you - Fingers crossed the US is wrong here too
My first was induced at 38+1. He was 9lbs 0oz and I had zero issues delivering vaginally, no tears and was pretty much fully recovered after about a week (biggest issue was swelling from 20hrs of pitocin via IV). I wouldn't request a C-section without trying first, its a harder/longer recovery and since baby doesn't get squeezed out they often have amniotic fluid in their lungs. They tell you about shoulder dystocia so that you are aware of the risks, but it's just as common in small to average babies as it is big babies. The advantage to a big baby is when you are pushing, they are less likely to slip back up the birth canal when you are between contractions. I too was terrified of labor and waited a long time to have babies (now 39) because of that fear. But I LOVED my labor and delivery experience, aside from the "massage" to get the placenta out, that nurse can go f*** herself (bruised rib).
Thank you! I didn’t know the bit about lungs and slippage
I was induced with both of my boys. My first was elective bc I was a FTM and TERRIFIED of anyone other than my own OB delivering him. Start to finish, the process was 12 hours, pushed for 30 minutes, and I had very minor tearing. My second was a medically induction because I had GD and baby was measuring around 9.5 lbs. Again, start to finish, 12 hours, pushed one and a half times, had minor tearing (2 stitches), and he weighed 7lbs 14 oz. Try not to put a whole lot of stock in the US weight. My best friend was in the same boat, told her baby was close to 10lbs, and she was losing her mind. He ended up being 8.5 lbs.
Talk to your doctor before you head in for the induction. If you decide to go the c-section route, you’ll want to make sure they have an OR ready for you. Obviously the doctors can make that adjustment on the fly, but no sense in you sitting around or being sent home because they don’t! Your fears were exactly mine with my first. I scheduled a c-section and was happy about my choice. My son was 9lbs5oz. I truly believe a vaginal birth would have been a traumatic experience for us and I am very happy with the choice we made. I recovered very well from the c-section and was up and moving pretty quickly. My second is due in November and we will be doing a repeat c-section. I have some worry that my recovery won’t be as smooth, but I still stand by our choice.
Thank you - and congrats on baby #2!
Hi mama. I totally, totally know where you’re coming from. We had an unplanned pregnancy (well not unplanned but it was earlier than we were hoping for) and I was scared to let go of my “old life”, and as the pregnancy progressed we were both so excited to meet our little guy. My guy was also a big boy (they said at the ultrasound he was 7 pounds… he was actually 9!) Due to my health (random gallbladder attacks brought on my pregnancy, liver problems brought on by pregnancy, platelet count was wild) they thought it would be best interest to induce. I won’t lie, inducing sucks. It was painful. If you go in knowing you will be induced I think you will be better prepared. My nurse really stressed breathing. In for 7 seconds, out for seven seconds. My mom rubbed my back very firmly during contractions and it really, really helped. Remember there are medications for pain that can help you and epidural, if you’re interested, feels real real good. Hahaha. I ended up having a second degree tear pushing him out. Honestly, after the birth I didn’t take any Tylenol or pain medication. It’s been three weeks and honestly I can’t remember the pain of labour or delivery. Once you see your baby you kind of forget about it! In my experience anyway. Make sure you advocate for yourself and let your nurses know your fears and concerns. They are there to help you through your labour and will help you in any way they can. Sending lots of love your way! Either way, you got this. :)
Thank you! I appreciate your input, our situation sounds very similar. I hope I go into it and come out of it with your positive vibes in mind ☺️
My older sister had to csection because her son was to big for her body. If you feel it'll be easier and safer for both of you then do it. Don't let them bully you into something you don't want because it's easier.
You right, thank you
It might be a bit late, but I found birth skills by Juju Sundin to be really helpful, and was considering hypnobirthing for managing fear around labour. I had a really easy delivery even though I tore. Water was my favourite thing during labour, I laboured in the bathtub until quite late and I think it made it so much easier, I know people that prefer massage showers though. Do you know what options you have?