advice please - big babies (LGA)

[Mel_P]

Hi all,

To anyone late in the third tri, I would really like to hear any thoughts or experience from any of you who are possibly expecting "big babies" large for gestational age.

I have been measuring ahead pretty much since week 12, consistantly ahead by several weeks in the last month and now at 31wks 5 days I just had a scan where they confirmed that I am probably looking at a big baby, measuring at just over 34 wks already, (weighing over 2.3 kgs) and more worryingly I saw on the stats after my scan that the head circumerence is over 36 wks.

The sonographer indicated I shouldn't worry and that there are options around early induction or a c-section, but the mention of both of these for the first time really has me quite freaked out.

I feel anxsious as I can't see my midwife until end of next week. And of course all my internet trawling has only pulled up stories of babies trapped in birth canals, dislocated shoulders, difficult births etc etc.

Feeling really guilty over my diet. Although the diabetes results came back OKay, and am not considered overweight I have put on a lot of weight during the pregnancy (almost 15kgs already from 60kgs). Could this have contributed?

I really would like just to hear from anyone who has gone through anything similiar ... to keep me sane before I next see my midwife.

Should I be concerned? Is 2wks ahead really actually big? What does a large head circumference mean??? etc etc. Help!

thanks
Mel

[Cla]

Mel,

I'm no expert about these things, this being the first and all, but there are plenty of people here who I'm sure are more well advised than me.
My midwife says that small babies are much more of a worry to the professionals that big babies (easy for them to say!) but I do know that if a baby is known to be large then a c-section is the preferred method of birth.
Although it's hard waiting for appointments, may be good to spend some time this week reading what you can and compiling a list of questions for the midwife so you're prepared?

Let us know what she says!

Cla
xx

[gregmbarry]

Mel,

From what I've read - they say that babies tend to know how big to grow. No worries - your baby is growing exactly how it's supposed to . I know it's easier said than done. One thing I've also read is that you tend to have similar sized babies as your mom did. Were you or your siblings large?

[JustinesBaby]

*

[Susie]

Hi,
Try not to worry too much. I measured 4 weeks ahead all thru my 2nd pg but was refused a scan to check on size. In the end I went 2 weeks overdue and went into labour naturally. After I had been in labour a whil, I was 5cm dilated and the babies head would still not engage so I was taken for a c-section. My little boy was born weighing 11 LB 7 OZ! At least your being monitored, and 2 weeks isnt that much, so try not to worry.
HTH
Susie

[PebblesUK]

Hi Mel,

There's nothing you can do or could have done with regard to the size of your baby.

At 30 weeks I was meausring 54 (the tape measure from public bone to top of uterus)! I'm diabetic and the babies are larger. The scan I had at 9 weeks was normal but the one at 20 weeks was 2 weeks ahead then she just got bigger and bigger for her age. I was induced at 35 weeks. I had a scan the day before and was told she was 7lb. She was born weighing 9lb 1oz, that was 5 weeks early! And yes because she was big I did have birth problems. She had shoulder dystocia (shoulders stuck and then they are starved of oxygen). We were very lucky she's ok.

Because of this when I was pregnant a year later I asked for a section at my first antenatal clinic. She was also 5 weeks early and was 7lb 12oz.

I'm sure if they are concerned regarding the size they will do growth scans every couple of weeks from now (this is what I will have too - because of the diabetes).

Large babies are more common now and the majorty of people will go on to deliver naturally no problem. I have already asked for another section this time as I know the baby will be big again. It is a personal choice. For me it was my best birth and I've not no worries at all about having another section.

I wouldn't worry. Wait to see what your next couple of scans say before you go rushing into any decisions. I'm sure your midwife will ease your mind.

Best of luck

Jo
xxx

[Mel_P]

Thanks all for the comments

I will try not to worry until I see my midwife at the end of the week. I really just want to be sure I am given all the options, and am afraid that the midwife is going to have a more laissez faire attitude towards things and not give me options on early induction or c-section. My underlying fears all along have been that there will be lots of intervention during the delivery and I guess that this is just adding to my fears.

Thanks all for the advice in the meantime. Will let you know how I get o.

For those of you that have had bigger babies, are there any other neo natal risks outside of those during delivery? Is it associated with any post natal probs with the babies?

thanks
Mel

[PebblesUK]

Hi Mel

Both of mine had to go into SCBU but this was because they were 5 weeks early and didn't know how to suck. Also with the diabetes they are born with low sugars so they need to get up.

The only reason Emma had to be checked which was to do with her size was a suspected broken shoulder (where she was stuck). Her shoulder was blue, black and purple! She was also checked for brain damage because she was staved of oxgyen for so long. Both these came back clear.

She looked very out of place there. Most of the babies were trying to get to 4lb so they could go home and Emma went up to 9lb 4oz!

I really wouldn't worry about afterwards. If you're baby was on the small size then I would have a few concerns maybe but not with a larger one. I personally like larger babies, they are so chunky and edible! You just will have more folds to clean in!! lol

Hope you get the answers you need from your midwife this week.

All the best

Jo
xxx

[kappy]

Hi Mel,
My daughter was 2 weeks early and weighed 8 lbs. 10 oz. ... she also had a rather large head. The only complication for her during birth was a broken collarbone (which healed naturally on its own). My labor was approx. 12 hours and I pushed for 1.5 hrs. Small episiotomy with a slight tear for me, but it's amazing how fast you heal down there. Within a week I felt back to normal.

I'd much rather have some discomfort with a larger baby (whether it's a c-section or tearing), then worry about a smaller one. My daughter had jaundice and lost almost 2 lbs. in the first 3 days. If she was small to begin with, then it would have been much more frightening when she lost the weight.

Relax and try to enjoy the end of your pregnancy. I'm sure your midwife will know what to do if your little one is really large. You'll be amazed at your own strength and will power when the time arrives =)

Good luck to you ... wishes for a speedy delivery and a healthy baby!

Kelly