Need advice: C-section or natural for BIG baby?

To make a long story short, I was sent to a high risk doctor yesterday (I will be 40 weeks tomorrow) and the sonogram showed the baby is 10 pounds. I was told to go back on Monday to do a repeat sono/non stress test, etc and then go talk to my regular doctor to go over the results. The doctor I spoke with yesterday (and one on the phone today) seem to be suggesting a c-section. I understand the risks with a big baby, that if the head gets stuck, they may have to break the collarbone, my pelvis, 'pull' the baby out, which in the end, can cause erbs palsy.

I don't want to put my baby at risk, yet I don't want to have a c-section if it's possible I may not really need it. Any advice ladies? Have you known anyone who has given birth to a very large baby naturally? Any who had complications because of this? Would you just go for the c-section or opt to try natural at first? I'm so confused! Thanks for your help.

Re: Need advice: C-section or natural for BIG baby?

First off- JMO but I had a c/s because Molly was breech and I would NEVER opt for a c/s just because the baby 'might' be big.

Your baby is NOT at huge risk because it may be 10lbs. Those sonogram estimates are just that...estimates. So many women are told 'you have a big baby' and then the baby is average size. What are the stats for a problem during delivery? I have put a link at the bottom of this that has TONS of stats and info about induction and forced c/s because of 'big baby' stuff.

You need to have faith that your body is growing a baby that you can and will deliver naturally. There is an amazing organization ICANN that can help you with information about this. Let me know if you want the link or for me to post the question (it is a closed message board area) for you.
There are more risks during a c/s. It is major surgery. I would not resort to that IMO if I had another option.

Women all over the World give birth to big babies without problems/complications or even pain drugs. Don't forgot that.
Here is something I found on their site for you to read:

My doctor told me my pelvis is too small to vaginally deliver a baby over eight pounds. Is this true?
A: No, the pelvis and the baby's head are not fixed bone structures. During labor the pelvis opens, allowing room for the baby, whose head molds to fit. The pelvis will actually open up 33% larger than it's pre-pregnant size with a squatting position. There are several factors that contribute to this. First a hormone called relaxin is released during the latter part of pregnancy which soften the ligaments and cartilage surrounding the pelvis. Also different positions assumed during labor will change the dimensions of the pelvis such as walking, climbing stairs and squatting. This combined with the flexibility of the baby's head gives ample room for babies to move through the pelvis. The baby's head is made up of five plates that are connected with soft tissues that allow it to mold during the birth process as the baby travels through the pelvis. These bones return to their pre-birth state within hours of birth.

Here is a VERY interesting article on induction because of a large baby

Big Baby info

Re: Need advice: C-section or natural for BIG baby?

Thanks Michele for all of the info! I just read the info in the link you sent me.... it was very information and interesting. Of course I'm still so torn as to what to do. I believe in what you say, and do know that many women give birth vaginally to large babies.... and that my sonogram weight estimate may be wrong... I just have the fear of them telling me to have a c-s, opting not to, and then something happening and never forgiving myself for not following dr's recommendations.

Would you mind posting my question on the ICANN site you mentioned? I would love to hear what some other people have to say on my situation. I would really appreciate it!

Well, I have the weekend to keep thinking about this, and maybe I'll just go into labor all by myself over the weekend.... that would solve things. I'll keep you updated. Thanks again for everything!

Re: Need advice: C-section or natural for BIG baby?

Debbie (Gianna's mom)'s sonogram was wrong. Liz gave birth to Luke (who was a big baby if I am not mistaken).
My own mom gave birth to my brother who was 9lbs 15oz
I will post the question now and then copy and paste all of the answers.

Here is something that I have learned over the last 10 months. Something I never thought about before....there are always going to be risks. Even with a c/s or a natural birth there are % of risks to each thing. BUT you have to have faith in yourself, your body. Of course, you NEED to do what you think is best for you and your child. No one can tell you that. Small babies can also have birthing problems- don't forget that. And not all babies with palsy were large naturally born babies. Some are 7lb average babies. You know?

Re: Need advice: C-section or natural for BIG baby?

I posted the info and will post back ALL of the responses to you.

Re: Need advice: C-section or natural for BIG baby?

My cousin was 12 pounds my aunt had her natural... My aunt was also 90 pounds and wore a size 0 when she got pregnant.

Re: Need advice: C-section or natural for BIG baby?

I know several people who have had 10 lbers naturally.


ETA: I was also at 40 wks when they started talking inducing and/or c/s, one of the reasons was the sono estimated the baby to be 9-10 lbs, my son was 8 lb 8 oz and had to be delivered by C/S anyway because i would not labor and he was starting to show signs of stress.

Re: Need advice: C-section or natural for BIG baby?

My friend had a baby boy in July vag.- 9lbs 9oz. I think. She used the same midwife I did. You have to have someone who will support you in your decision. I think you should at least give it a try. You can do it.

Re: Need advice: C-section or natural for BIG baby?

My friend had a 9 1/2 lb baby and delivered vaginally with no problems.

Re: Need advice: C-section or natural for BIG baby?

Once I was diagnosed with GD, and sent for weekly sonograms, I was told that I was having a BIG baby -- not like you were told, but over 8.5. Even when they gave me a sonogram in L&D, they told me the baby was big. Lo and behold, Gianna was all of 7.7 and a tiny little thing. So they are not always on with their estimates. That's not to say that you won't have a big baby, but it might not be as big as they think!

Friend's of ours had a baby in July and he was 11.5 pounds and she went natural!!!

Is induction an option for you? I would go for the induction first and if the baby is too big and can't be delivered naturally, then I would opt for the c-section.

Good luck to you!!!!

Re: Need advice: C-section or natural for BIG baby?

Thanks ladies... and thanks Michele, I appreciate you copying and pasting the responses that my question gets on the other site.

From what I understood yesterday, they did not want to induce me, but I really don't understand why. Actually though, that might have been because they thought I might have another problem (cholestasis) which is severe itching.... so I guess if that had come back positive, they wanted to get the baby out right away? I was told that I could wait for labor to start on it's own, and for some reason, maybe because I was only 2 - 3 centimeters dilated (two docs said two different things) that they didn't feel comfortable breaking my water or starting me on pitocin or cervadil at that time.

I have to go back to the high risk doc on Monday and then to discuss with my reg doc, so I guess that is when I will find out more.

I think I may have lost my mucous plug today although I'm not sure. I'm hoping that if I did, maybe labor will start on its own this weekend?

Thanks again to you all for all of your support and advice.

Re: Need advice: C-section or natural for BIG baby?

IMO, you need to have your own info before going to the doctor. Make sure you don't let them scare you into something. That is very common nowadays with liability insurance costs! Also, induction is NOT always better either.

Re: Need advice: C-section or natural for BIG baby?

Here is the info so far:

What were the complications that got her sent to the high risk Dr in the
first place?

Others will have better info and references - but for starters:

Ultrasound size measurements are +/- a couple of lbs each way. A 10 lb
estimate could mean a baby anywhere between 7-13 lbs. Pretty big range. It
could be entirely possible that she doesnt even have a *big* baby at all.

Also - just because the 'average' growth of a baby in the last weeks is 1lb
per week - that doesnt mean 'add 1lb per the number of weeks you're overdue
to the size estimate of the last ultrasound. Theres too many variables.
Someone else may have reference, but wasnt there a study that showed mothers
*guesses* at baby size were slighly more accurate that u/s measurements?

In the absence of true GD etc, mothers bodies dont generally grow babies
that are too large for them to birth. We are not designed to need c/s to
save us from childbirth. We are designed to have the babies we grow come
out through the birth canal. If a mom grows a 10 lb baby, she is most
likely able to BIRTH a 10 lb baby.

<break the collarbone, my pelvis, 'pull' the baby out>>

This statement is a lie. If the HEAD gets stuck - then the baby simply wont
descend. Itll either cause a failure to progress situation, or a diagnosis
of CPD and c/s. Neither of which are real emergencies. If the head were
stuck they also couldnt get in to 'break the collarbone' as that would
require going past the stuck head - and even if they could - what good is
breaking the collarbone going to do when its the HEAD thats too big?

It sounds like what shes referring to with the 'breaking the collarbone /
erbs palsy' stuff, the medical management of a shoulder dystocia? Where the
shoulders are whats stuck - not the head. And Ive NEVER heard of the drs
breaking the moms pelvis - I cant imagine the ammt of force that would take!

She can read up on safe management of a shoulder dystocia (there was a very
good thread on this recently - anybody have saved posts?)

She can probably avoid all of this by just making sure baby is in a good
position and having a care provider who isnt trying to scare her into a c/s.

Re: Need advice: C-section or natural for BIG baby?

Mishy just wanted to send my fellow Sept mommy tons of

Re: Need advice: C-section or natural for BIG baby?

Thanks Michele, that was also very informative... I really appreciate all of your help! And thanks Wino2 right back at ya.

Re: Need advice: C-section or natural for BIG baby?

OK here goes my story............for the last 2 months of my pregnancy I was having sonograms and NST tests weekly because the Dr's were concerned with Tommy's weight. He was measuring very large. At 37 weeks I had an anmnio to make sure he was developed and at 37 weeks and three days I had a c section. Was I happy about it no I was very upset and depressed the whole time but was not given any other option from this group of Dr's. I was told that it must be done for the safety of the baby and that was that. Will I use these Dr's again next pregnancy No Way.............I will fine one that will allow me to labor on my own for awhile and one that will let me go full term. Tommy ws in the Nic unit because he was not ready to be born yet..........He was 10.5 pounds though ..........My advice to you is use your judgement............If you really are unhappy with the c section option tell your Dr............

Re: Need advice: C-section or natural for BIG baby?

this post has been very informative for me. Thank you. I am 36weeks and have been told baby is already 7.5 lbs

Re: Need advice: C-section or natural for BIG baby?

Since my c/s (due to breech) I have becoming so much more educated on birthing and forced c/s and even necessary c/s (such as with my breech). To many doctors act like a c/s is the same as getting a cavity filled. It is not. There are emotions tied to this surgery. There are A LOT of resources for you to read before being bullied or scared into a c/s without true medical cause.
egreen3792- you may want to join ICANN on Yahoo. I can send you the link if you want. I am so sorry to hear about your experience. Unfortuntely it is NOT uncommon for women to be treated like you were. You are NOT alone in this.

Re: Need advice: C-section or natural for BIG baby?

My son was born at 10lbs 5 oz. I had him naturally and it was hell.... They told me at the sono the day before that he was only going to be about 8 pounds at max.... While I was in delivery I was saying that he was going to be a 10 pounder. I was very uncomfortable throught the whole delivery even though I got an epidural I still felt it.. His head seemed as big as a watermelon. The dr kept telling me not to worry because, ' You are a big girl, with large hips, and you wont have any problems pushing.' I spent three hours PUSHING..... A contraction would come and I would PUSH--- and I would feel the baby move down and the pressure --- and I swore I could feel him like curl up, (cause he wouldnt fit), and then my contraction would end and they would tell me to stop pushing and then the baby would slide all the way back up. It was hell. This repeated for three hours and Finally I was like --GET THIS BABY OUT NOW--- and just started bearing down hard and constant, no contraction, with contraction, I didnt care... And they wouldnt give me a C!!!!!!!!! They ended up having to use the vaccuum to get him out cause he couldnt fit (uh-YEAH--)... and he had a HUGE cone on the top of his head... your first impression of your son and daughter shouldnt be, ' Uh-- THAT is going to go down.. Right??' Of ourse it did, but thats beside the point.

Ok... now that I scared the daylights outta you.... My sister who is much smaller figured than me gave birth to an 8.6 and a 9.15 baby, and had no complications as far as L&D....

Each person is different. If you are really torn between the choice of Vaginally or C, my suggestion to you as a BTDT mommy, is to try and have the baby vaginally if that is how you wanted to. Let you DR know that you want the C-section to be prepped and ready that if YOU YOURSELF are feeling uncomfortable or not in control, YOU can make the decision THERE. Especially if they are estimating the baby to be that big. They are wrong on the sonos more often than they are right... and You'll be fine!!! Keep me posted!

Re: Need advice: C-section or natural for BIG baby?

If I were you I would try to deliver vaginally and be prepared that it might be too difficult and they may have to do a c-section. A woman in my office gave birth to 2 boys-one was 10 pounds in change the other was just under 12 pounds. She did not have a c-section.

A lot of times it's not so much the weight of the baby but how the baby is trying to come out that causes the problem. And the estimated weight could be off.

Whatever you choose I wish you lots of luck.