Fetal Macrosomia

I have a big baby (11lb at birth). He measured big on scans, but not 11lb. Because i had multiple risks (gdm, cholestasis and altered fetal movements) they also wanted to induce me early and at 1st i chose induction, but the 2nd day i called and chose C section simply because we were told multiple times that he is big, and we wanted to avoid a traumatic birth at a any cost. We had a very lovely experience with the surgical staff, but the recovery... I was lucky to have my mum with us because he was so freaking heavy. Idk how i would have managed without her. I don't know what it's like to recover from a big tear but from what i read it looks like a 3rd deg tear could take longer to heal than a c section and that it's more painful. Plus i've been told many times that the labour pain is bigger on induction.

One thing i would suggest if you go with it - have a tens machine (it's what i was planning to do but didn't actually have the chance) and i also wanted a water birth (again, missed chance). Both of these options have been highly praised by other mothers. The tens machine should help with both the pain and the progression of the labour

Also perineal massage should help to prevent tearing. It's very difficult to do on your own because of the belly so if you and your partner are close enough, maybe they could do it for you 🤣

My first was 9lbs! Technically she got stuck in my pelvis on her way out, but later I learned that was actually a positioning issue, not because of size.

They said my second would be born 10lbs if I carried full term, and tried scaring me into a c section or induction, but I refused. Actually delivered at a whole different hospital because I didn’t want their negative energy in the room 😂 she was 8.7lbs and shot out so fast her face bruised 😂.

I delivered both naturally and pushed laying on my side for both without tearing. With my first I spent HOURS in a warm bath with Dead Sea salts before going to the hospital. I like to think that helped soften the tissue and skin lol.

There’s definitely positions you’re less likely to tear in. I saw recently that if you take small breaths thru a straw when you're pushing it helps prevent tearing because it slows down the baby enough for your body to adjust. I also saw something about pouring olive oil on yourself right before baby crowns 😆