Hi, has anyone had a similar experience to me?
I’ve been told my baby is on the bigger side. They were not worried about all measurements, but at 39 weeks his abdominal circumference (belly) is measuring on the 97th centile. They said they would recommend either induction or a C-section while his growth isn’t too excessive. His estimated overall growth is on the 86.6th centile, so he’s bigger than average but not considered extremely large he is 3,775g which was 38+5
I’m exactly 39 weeks tomorrow and will be seeing a consultant to discuss it. Has anyone else been in a similar situation? What did you decide to do, and how big was your baby (centile and birth weight)? Was it just the baby’s belly measuring large, or was the whole baby measuring big?
Also, does anyone know why only his belly would be measuring large while the rest of him isn’t?
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I was told me baby was gonna be a nine pounder and he was 7lb 6 I wouldn’t trust it to be honest with you. Same thing happened with a friend of mine x

I was told belly size is not an issue as it’s squishy and won’t cause issues during birth. If it was the head size that would be different but with the tummy it doesn’t matter. Also, babies are squished up in there which could make the belly look rounder.
Personally I wouldn’t accept and induction or c section for that reason.

Measurements are not 100% i was told id have a 7lb baby at 38 weeks and had her the following week and she was 9lb5 xxx

Was told baby was on the 97th centile and she was born 4kg at 40+5days
Ended up choosing a c section after 22hr of labour as I didn’t wanted the hormones drips (as I feared it could lead to an emergency c section) and they were telling me about the risk of birthing a big baby

My baby boy is 7lb at 36 weeks and I have my midwife appointment tomorrow and are thinking of requesting a C section due to him being large

My baby was exactly the same. Got induced at 39 weeks and ended up with an emergency c section after 4 days of trying and contracting over 24 hours as couldn't monitor her and didn't know if she was okay, had a previous loss and didn't want to take a chance. She was 8lb 13 and they said there is no way she would have come out naturally as couldn't fit through my cervix. Centiles aren't exact but you just have to weigh up you and baby being healthy over everything else. There is no right or wrong kind of just have to go for it and see what happens! Personally I wish I waited without being induce but even then baby still mught have not come out but dont put either of you at risk! I wish you the best delivery and enjoy your lovely bundle of joy when they arrive ❤️

I had a growth scan at 29 weeks and was told he was on the 97th too and already approx 4lbs. They seemed very concerned aniutnhis belly size and made me do a glucose test but it was normal. Now have a scan on Monday at 32 weeks to check growth and start discussing options. My first was in the 90th and ended up having to have assistance as his shoulders got stuck....

Mine was 50ish percentile till 37 weeks then he had a growth spurt. I was recommended to induce but went for a c section after a failed foley balloon (I didn't want hormonal induction) at 41+2.
He was predicted to be 9lb and ended up 10lb 3oz. I'm 5 ft 2 and was huuuuuge. The Dr's said it would have probably ended in a c section anyway so it was the right choice.

This happened to me twice.
My first pregnancy they said the same things they have said to you. I was booked in for an appointment with the consultant but I went into spontaneous labour at 39+2 and he was born 9lb15oz. For what it's worth I would have declined the c-section, I was quite worried about the appointment so I'm glad baby came first!
My second pregnancy I was monitored throughout because of my previous large baby but nothing was suggested in terms of c-section etc. Again, spontaneous labour at 39+5 and baby absolutely shot out in less than an hour. She was 10lb9oz.

Estimated large size is not a good reason for induction..I would try and do lots of reading and carefully consider the risks. Also the scans are very inaccurate at this stage.

I have had extra growth scans through my pregnancy and my last was on Monday at exactly 39 weeks. Very similar numbers in that his stomach is now measuring on the 96th centile and overall he's on the 86th centile, estimated to be 8lb 11. This is my first baby and my consultant is encouraging a natural birth. I'm 5ft 9 myself so he's said it's perfectly normal and hasn't suggested either a section or an induction.

I was told my little boy was going to be atleast 10lb at 36weeks and they recommended a c-section, which scared me to death so I went for it! He was 8lb 8oz and I kinda wished that I hadn’t of listened and had him naturally. But that being said the c-section was amazing, really relaxed and everyone was so supportive x

You might find this information helpful. It's a critical analysis of the Big Baby Trial, which is the research that people are often referring to when they talk about estimated large babies and early delivery.
https://www.sarawickham.com/articles-2/bigbaby/

Slightly different.. was told my baby was measuring on the 50th centile.. i was booked in for a sweep at 41+1. I really didn't want it tbh, luckily i went into spontaneous labour the night before my sweep was due. I gave birth naturally, no pain meds and she weighed 10lb exactly.
Measurements are not always accurate, I think If I would have been told she was going to be big and the risks involved I would have panicked.
Just my opinion, but I would say if you have had a healthy pregnancy, trust yourself and your body. Doctors will be there to intervene if you need them but if your gut is telling you to do things naturally, trust yourself x

Hi, my baby was measuring 97th centile so I was scheduled for induction at 39 weeks. Id read online that these measurements are usually wrong and inductions often lead to c sections but I was so scared about the complications of birthing a big baby (I'm sure the Dr has told you these as well) so I went ahead with it. I ended up having a failed induction and emergency c section after baby became distressed due to strong contractions from induction hormones. Thankfully my baby was fine but he came out measuring at 25th centile. How the measurement could have been so far off is beyond me.
Anyway I am not urging you to not do c section or induction because your baby could very well be a big baby with an accurate measurement. I just wanted to share my experience so you can make an informed decision and weigh up the pros and cons of each option.
It's a tough position to be in, wishing you all the best!!

I'm not sure it's suggesting c section over induction for a suspected big baby. Which sentence are you referring to?

Also to answer your question the biggest measurement was his belly, he measured big for head and femur as well but not concerningly big. I was referred to diabetes clinic for testing but I didn't have gestational diabetes x

Do you have gestational diabetes? Not everyone is built the same and we all have different body measurements so it could just be that. My baby is measuring large 99th centile for tummy and I have GD so a big tummy isn't uncommon for diabetes and an Indian baby. Otherwise all other measurements measure 88th centile on an individualised growth chart factoring in my height, weight and ethnicity. The risk of a bigger baby and vaginal birth is shoulder dystocia. If you have had a successful first vaginal birth and baby is under 10lbs the risk of this is actually under 5%. Growth scans also have an inaccuracy of 15%. I was told my first would be over 8lbs, he was born at 40 weeks 6lbs 6oz so actually small. I sat with a very good consultant who went through all the pros and cons, research where it comes from and asked that an induction be booked on or after my due date. He recommended induction at 39+6 but agreed to my decision making of 40 weeks.

To Incog, it's totally your decision. Don't be pressured! If you feel like they are pushing you in a direction that you're not happy with then tell them you want more time to think. I have had two big babies vaginally and both labours were perfectly fine. A friend of mine also had a 9lb+ baby through spontaneous labour as well and she didn't have a single stitch or cut (and nor did I with my 10lb9oz baby).
I know it's easier said than done but try not to overthink it. If you want to avoid intervention then do just that!!the calmer and happier you are the better chance for a smooth labour ❤️ good luck.