Anyone given birth to a baby over 10 lbs?

I’m 39+3 and had my growth scan yesterday. Baby is estimated a massive 10 lbs 🙈 I’m only 5 ft 1. The consultant offered to induce me today which I agreed to but when he rang the ward, they’re fully booked until Tuesday but I’ve been put on a waiting list to ring me if a space becomes available. He’s 4.55 kg now and they usually recommend a c-section at 5kg. By the time Tuesday comes and the process of the induction, he’ll be close to that weight. I did ask about a c-section instead but he put that idea off. I think I want to ring and ask for an elective c-section as I’m scared the baby will get stuck if I try naturally. I’m worried about the wait time for an elective c-section now too. X

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Hey x my first baby was over 10lb . 4.890 kg . And i had VB . And very quick labour. Yes i had some tearing but it was very mild x . Our bodies are amazing and i wish you all the best xx

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You’re well within your rights to request a c section for a baby estimated to be that size, and I’m surprised they haven’t recommended it themselves if induction is nearly a week away!
Growth scans can be quite inaccurate and it could turn out that baby is quite an average size, but it whatever you feel comfortable with, they can’t deny you of that! x

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My boy was 10Ib 3oz. Had a emergency section in the end, but wish I'd had a planned one now as induction for me was very painful and there was no way I was pushing him out. But everybody is different. You do whatever feels right. X

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that’s so good to hear! I’m just panicking today thinking about the risks he talked through yesterday. Thank you xx

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go for the options that you feel comfortable with x i never experienced c-section or induction x but I really wish you all the best and i hope everything goes well for you and your baby x you got this ! X

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I have messaged my midwife to ask for a number to ring today. I think a c-section best for the safety of my baby. The consultant was very thorough about the induction but when I mention c-section, he just said it comes with its own risks and didn’t really go into it. So I agreed to the induction and he said on the phone to the ward it ideally needs to be this week because of the size of the baby and because I’m small but they just said there’s no space. It’s scary x

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yeah I want to go for a c-section. I know many inductions end up in emergency c-section anyway regardless of the baby being big or not. I think it’ll be impossible for me to push the baby out and the thought of shoulder dystocia terrifies me x

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My lo was 10lb 1 I had a c section but that was cos he was breech anyway.

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Just remember these measurements are only semi educated guesses. They’re often very inaccurate.

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yeah the consultant did say that the measurements aren’t 100% accurate and they tend to over estimate but did say the baby is definitely on the bigger side x

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Induction didn’t work for me as my sons head was too big. I went in for induction at 38+2, had him by c- section at 38+5 as I had no other option. He weighed 9lb 5oz at birth. I had the induction as I was told baby was big and should come out early. I reckon he would have stayed in as long as he could because he was so comfy in my stomach 😂. I’m only 4,11 in height.

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i’d still say it’s more of a guess.
My youngest was estimated at 10lb and he was 8lb1.
However given the choice between induction or c section I’d go c section!

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Remember that scans are not accurate and can be off by as much as 2lb. So your baby could be a completely normal size and they’re causing you worry for nothing.

Have they also explained why they believe a ‘big’ baby is something to worry about and the fact that it’s actually contraindicated to induce large babies? The fear of a large baby getting stuck can often be mitigated by not having the birthing person on their back on the bed (which often happens with induction) and instead encouraged to move and listen to their body. 48% of babies that get stuck aren’t big, so anyone pretty much has a chance of it. Also baby’s tummy is squishy, the plates of their skull move and your pelvis and tailbone can also flex to allow for around 30% more space if you’re in an upright position. Induction ironically increases the likelihood of baby getting stuck.

And remember that babies grow to their genetics unless you have uncontrollable gestational diabetes. Their size is very likely just right.

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Hi lovely, so like you I am 5’1 and quite petite. My baby was measuring big towards the end of my pregnancy so I was offered an induction at 39 weeks. (He wasn’t quite 10lbs he came out 9.9lbs, so still big!).

I went ahead with the induction and over a few days I tried the gel and the pessary. Both I contracted way too much on, was in quite a lot of pain with and also didn’t work for me. Baby was still up high and hadn’t dropped at all.

So I eventually on day 4 opted for a c-section. As I believe it was the safest choice for me and my baby. I believe if I continued with the induction and went onto the drip, I’d of just been in even worse pain, baby could of got stuck and I’d of ended up needing an emergency c section anyway.

But this is just my personal experience. There’s plenty of women who have gave birth vaginally safely to big babies. I just don’t believe I’d of been one of them as my little boy just seemed too comfy and I just had that gut feeling! Xx

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It is so so hard to know what to do. Choosing a c section on day 4 was a tough decision as I had no idea what the right choice was. But after a lot of back and forth and weighing up pros and cons, it’s the choice I went with.

C section recovery is tough though, I wish I’d of looked into it more but I didn’t as I didn’t think I’d ever have one. I always planned to go natural. But it’s definitely good to look into the recovery!

Wishing you all the best with your Labour and meeting your little bundle of joy x

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The main risk with a vaginal birth would be the size of your pelvis, as the absolute worst case scenario would be shoulder dystocia. This is absolutely not guaranteed just because you may have a big baby or just because you’re shorter than average, but both are risk factors! If you believe you’d like/prefer a c section then absolutely you can have one! The consultant will likely just go through the risks and benefits, and then you just agree to these! Some consultants will just make you feel bad about whatever you do so don’t listen to them🤣You know what’s right for you ultimately and nobody can deny you of that experience, no matter what their title! x

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My son was 11lbs, 2ozs lol so I feel you girl. Ended up with an emergency c-section :/ if you can do it electively, i would.

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God damn that’s a big baby 🫢I’m literally soooo scared of child birth n I have to do it in 2 month I would literally faint if they told me he was 10lbs… definitely would want a c section fa sure!!!!

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I think this will happen to me if I have an induction. I think he’s too comfy enjoying all the food 🙈 x

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I know the doctors tend to scare you but I guess they have to let you know about the risks. He did say inducing a big baby before 40 weeks reduces risks by a tiny amount (can’t remember the percentage). I did ask that question as that’s one thing I’ve always said that I don’t want to labour on my back because I’m on the drip/have an epidural etc but he said they keep you mobile whilst being induced and can sit you up if I have the epidural. He was very thorough and explained everything well and made me feel better about an induction which is why I agreed to it but I agreed when I thought I would be induced today. I wish I pushed for a c section when he said it’ll be on Tuesday x

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hey, so the scan was pretty accurate then! I think that will probably happen to me too if I go ahead with the induction. I’ve been thinking about what’s best since my last growth scan as he measured big. I had it in my head I was going to ask for a c-section if he was still measuring big on this scan because of the awful induction stories but the consultant made me feel better about the induction, so I agreed to it but now wish I pushed for the c-section. I rang triage today and explained what has happened and that I want a c-section and they said I need to contact my community midwife so waiting for her to contact me back, thank you! Xx

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I know, the thought of this petrifies me! I don’t think I took it in properly yesterday when he explained it because he was saying the chance of it happening is very low but I can’t stop thinking about it today. Just thinking what if it does happen to my baby, I just want him to be safe and I think the only sensible option is a c section x

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oh wow! I’ve contacted my midwife to hopefully get an appointment to book a c section x

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My baby was estimated at 8lbs but was 9lbs 9oz, can always be way off. Don’t worry too much but maybe keep pushing for the c section if it will make you less anxious☺️

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I know, if he was normal size, I’d be less worried and always said I wanted to have him naturally but need to think of getting him out safely so trying to get a c section booked x

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that is way off! Makes me think my baby could be even bigger though 🙈Did you have him naturally or c-section? Xx

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It’s sadly normal for an induction to be pushed back repeatedly because you’re not high risk. And the fact they do it means they’re not really worried about your ability to birth your baby or they would recommend and have done an immediate caesarean.
I’m sorry they’ve made you feel physically disempowered and unable to birth your baby but well done for questioning him! A week won’t make much difference- late pregnancy they grow less in length and more in their brains and lungs ☺️ My second baby was 9lb 6 so a ‘big’ baby at over 4kg but the scans said he was 50th centile all along so they can be wrong both ways, but I expected him big/long as both my husband and I are tall and a bit fat. Your own height has little bearing on your pelvic outlet. Hope it all goes smoothly next week whatever path you choose. If you prefer a caesarean call your midwife and ask to book one x

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Had a 9.9lbs baby on Monday. Induction failed so ended up having a section, they still needed the forceps to get him out 🫣 good luck either way, whichever way it goes, it’ll be worth it xx

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I was told my baby is large and he would be about 9lbs 11 and I was bricking it, I did end with a c section eventually but he was 8lb 10oz so they can be incorrect

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my baby was 9.9lbs too! And my induction failed also, so had a section and needed forceps too! 🤣x

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Hahah that’s spooky, girl or boy? 😂 x

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he did say if anyone will be cancelled it will be me because he’s healthy. Did you have a natural birth? Thanks so much xx

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congratulations 🥰 but yeah I think I’ll end up with a c section anyway if I go through with the induction. Wow I didn’t know they sometimes have to use forceps during a c section, your baby must’ve been way too comfy ha. Thank you, I’m waiting for my midwife to message me back about a c section xx

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My son was bang on 10lbs. I got to 9cms but unfortunately my sons head was in a strange position for him to be able to come out. We ended up having a C-section but it was still a really enjoyable experience xx

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boy!! 🤣x

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10lbs 2oz and out in three pushes with no stitches - I loved his birth ❤️

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I had an elective c section for other reasons and it was a lovely experience. No rushing, no panicking, it was all so calm and I’d do it all over again. My recovery was quick, I was in hospital at 7am, delivered at 935am and discharged at lunchtime the following day. I was in Morrisons a couple of days later. So if you’re worried about a c section, I think you’ll be fine 🙂 an elective is much better than an emergency one I would say. I’m 5”2 and wouldn’t even consider delivering a baby that size naturally 😂 saying that, my baby always measured ‘big’ and he was born 7lb 15.5oz so very average at 39+3 xxx

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I would recommend go straight to a c-section. I had an induction and I regret it immensely. Went in Friday night, only to have an emergency c-section Sunday night.

Went through so much pain, when it could all have been avoided. My body was overwhelmed and I dealt with postpartum depression due to it. One year after, just recovering

My baby weighed 9.14 ounces

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If you feel that you would prefer a planned c-section then I would definitely ask about it.

My son wasn’t 10 lb but 9 lb 12 and after an emergency C-section with forcepsI was told they would have offered me a planned C-section had they realised he was so large. Not sure how they didn’t realise personally.

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as someone who has recently experienced a severe shoulder dystocia (baby was 9lbs) I would deffo consider discussing your options and possible pros/cons with your care team if your worried.
I am also 5ft 1. I Wasn’t induced and baby wasn’t measuring big.
If I have another I will 100% have a section.

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Yup 10.10lbs, three days induction and ended up in c section (I’m kind of happy with that 🤣) good luck!

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My baby was plotting on the 50th centile but when she was born she was only on the 9th!!

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i had to go straight to the hospital after my 38 week ob appointment and they gave me an ultrasound when i got there cause baby was big all throughout my pregnancy and they said he was 9.12 and they gave me an option to push or have a c section and i chose a c section just cause they said i was really tiny down below and they probably would have to break me open.. but i had the c section and he came out 10lb 10oz so i’m kinda thankful for the c section even tho the recovery was really hard on me..

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