Induction

I did a lot of stretches on YouTube etc and made sure I followed biomechanics of birth which basically helps baby get in the best position for birth. I thoroughly recommend that.

Also, keep moving during labour if you can. Use a ball and look up counter pressure on hips as that’s super helpful. Having a shower can help too / bath if your hospital can help.

Epidural was a godsend for a long labour, I had it and made sure I didn’t press the button too much so I could still move my legs and I toned it down during pushing so I could do a bit better. Thoroughly recommend the epidural if you are struggling to cope / have a long labour. I managed to have a bit of a nap before pushing. I laid on my side and I had the peanut ball to help baby to descend the whole time! Xx

Mine took 5 days and ended in emergency c-section after getting all the way to 10cm dilated and pushing. I don’t mean to scare you, it’s just that there are a Lot of stories out there like mine and it’s widely known that if it’s your first baby and you’re under 40 weeks there’s a higher chance it will end in c-section. Worth being prepared, knowing all the possible outcomes, and advocating for yourself if they’re pushing you toward this

No such thing as a baby that’s too big to be born out of your vagina unless an underlying condition is behind. Your body will only make a baby that is the right size of you and for some people it’s bigger and others smaller that doesn’t mean anything is specific weight is right or wrong.

Also scans are inaccurate in determining the size of the baby with a 20 % error margin either way.

You can absolutely have a natural birth whenever baby wants to come. You don’t need an induction for “guessed” big baby. My baby was 8+lbs when born and out of scale lengthwise and she was born naturally at home ✌️

If you want more information on these things please consider reaching out to birthworkers (like kemibirthjoyjohnson or similar) who dedicate their life’s to inform mamas to be on what their actual options are. ☀️

Induction for a suspected big baby is not evidence based. Google Sara Wickham and her ‘big baby’ information.

Don't let them bully you into an induction just on size alone, 60% of growth scans are incorrect and always say the baby is bigger than what they actually are.

I had an induction but don't really have tips for helping manage the pain. I just practiced what breathing techniques I could but eventually I decided on an epidural.

As for having an induction or not that wasn't your question but as others are having input on that part I just want to say to make a decision that works for you. Do some research yourself and follow your heart. You can't know the outcome in advance either way and hindsight is 20:20 as they say. You can only do what feels right in the moment and only you know that so yes take advise but you do you ❤️ good luck

I was induced for “bigger baby” twice and my first was actually half a pound bigger than expected, my second was much faster which could’ve been because it was my second but I tried to move around a lot more

My mom had one of my sisters at 44 weeks. She was so big that none of her newborn clothes would fit. She gave birth at home and she was the healthiest baby!

I’d highly recommend looking into the big baby trial and reading Dr Sara Wickhams book. There is no evidence to suggest induction for big babies and actually there are more risks to inducing big babies than letting them come naturally.

Baby also estimated 5lb 1oz at 31 weeks and my first was 9lb 11oz born vaginally with an over the 99th centile head.

Don’t let them scare you. If you or your partner are tall your baby likely isn’t even that big (my first wasn’t) just super long! x

I would do a LOT of research before accepting an induction based on the fact they think he might be a big baby….

I had the same, went to 41 weeks and delivered my son intervention free waterbirth no stitches. He was 10lbs 3oz.

I read a quote that fear of big babies is more dangerous than birthing big babies !

All I would say is you do not have to have an induction at all. This is nonsense based on old old OLD ways they go by to cover their heads!!

I’ve been induced three times with three vaginal deliveries my advice would be;
Take the epidural- the drip makes the contractions extremely painful
Have a decent meal before you go - most wards wouldn’t allow you to eat in case you need an emergency c-section including GA
Trust the midwife and other health professionals- they do this every day and their advice is very much evidence based
There are many people in the comments suggesting not to be induced even tho this is what you are being advised to do, there are reasons for their guidance and I personally wouldn’t take the risk of going against advice.

Good luck xx

i chose an elected induction on the drip at 41 weeks ended up going into later 2 days before, it wasnt that bad honestly and after my water broke my contractions generally got regular and closer to together and had the drip for maybe an hour so overall i had a positive experience, my daughter was 3.6kg at birth

2.3kg is not that big for a baby at 32weeks btw i think theyre just pushing for inductions maybe?

I have delivered two big babies vaginally. 9lb15oz and 10lb9oz, both were officially LGA. For me everything was fine. I always knew I wouldn't have an induction but tbh I was never formally offered one, I was only offered a sweep which I turned down. Both labours started naturally at 39 weeks.
I wouldn't feel like you don't have any options. You may decide induction is right for you which is great, just take some time to think about it. Good luck 😀

I was induced due too them saying my little girl was big, she came out 7 pound 2🤣Trust your instincts!!! My only advice if you need the hormone drip ( fingers crossed you won’t ) get the epidural 😊x