What would you do? re: delivering baby options

Okay... so my due date is August 19th.

My 39th week is THIS Friday, August 12th.

Because of the estimated size of the baby, my OB wants me to have this baby this week or wants to schedule a c-section for THIS Saturday!

My perinatologist estimates the weight of the baby at over 9lbs at this point! . BUT, he says that the baby is very proportionate and he thinks I can attempt a vaginal delivery.

My OB, who is the one who will deliver the baby, says that he would like me to do everything I can to have this baby SOON. The baby is undeniably big. His sono maching also estimates the baby at about 9lbs, even though the measurements aren't half as accurate as the Peri-Natologist. He also felt my belly and said this baby is taking up every square inch of my uterus. I can even feel it's a BIG baby. (DH was 9lbs 14oz at birth and is currently 6'2". I blame him. lol.)

When my OB mentions how big the baby is, he almost has a look bordering on fear in his eyes! He delivers all the time, yet he is concerned at how big our baby is! Yikes! That should say something.

He also says that if I try to push a baby this big out, it could be a traumatizing experience for me. He says his job is to make my birth experience as comfortable as possible so that I will want to have another child one day. He also says that I could end up with incontinence issues starting at age 40 if I try to push a baby out that big. I already pee a little when I do jumping jacks, so I imagine that would only get worse!

I am not against drugs during vaginal birth. I am not against a c-section. Part of me, though, feels that - with my first child - I want to experience "labor" and not go right for c-section. I almost feel like it's "cheating". Then I hear stories of other women with big babies who were in labor for however many hours, tried to have the baby and ended up with an emergency c-section, which I do NOT want.

Ideally, I would love to go into labor - and if I have to - pick a moment where we decide to go with c-section at a SAFE point - not an emergency c-section. But my doc strongly suggests I just schedule one for THIS Saturday since the baby will just keep growing.

What do you think? Sorry so long!

ETA: UPDATE below! Thanks for all your help!

Message edited 8/8/2011 1:13:59 PM.

Re: What would you do? re: delivering baby options

i was in a similar predicament with my first. My DS was measuring off the charts and my Ob and peri were concerned by his size and position. I also have some underlying health issues. My doctors agreed to allow me the chance go into labor up until 40w. If he didnt arrive by 40w we'd do the c/s. they were very concerned about me going even a single day past 40w. He didnt arrive on his own so c/s it was and ds was born at 9lb 10oz. Based on his position, size and my pelvis size, my drs do not think i would have had a successful vaginal delivery.

My doctors happened to be right in the estimates of DS' size...often they are way off (dd was estimated to be in the mid 8's and she was born at 9lb 13oz at 39w), so it's a tough call to make. I would probably ask to get to my due date and then reevaluate my options at that time.

Re: What would you do? re: delivering baby options

No comment on the delivery part and my opinion since I have no experience and have no idea what to expect. I can tell you my SIL had her first baby vaginally and she was 10lbs even. She proceeded to have 3 more vaginally and 1 c section all with zero issues. They kept getting smaller weight wise each pregnancy.

Re: What would you do? re: delivering baby options

I would try for vaginal, weight estimates can be a little off and your body may be more then capable of handling it. I didn't have a choice, DS was breech as is this one, so I will be going for my second c/s but I hate that I won't go into labor. And I feel like if you do opt for the c/s and the baby isn't as big as they are estimating then you might regret not trying, kwim? Good luck either way, your baby is going to be here SOON!!

Re: What would you do? re: delivering baby options

My first was est to be in the 9s (born at 10-2) and my office never brought up c/section. They actually said b/c I was taller (5'7") that the size wouldn't be an issue. They did always check fluid levels and mine were always on the higher side and they say that's good for big babies to move around. In fact a woman one week before me (5'10") gave birth vaginally to a 10+ baby.

I went into labor 8 days late and he did get stuck coming out, but the emergency c/s was really no different than the scheduled one (with the exception that I welcomed the spinal over the contractions).

I am glad that I experienced some of labor even if I never pushed.

Message edited 8/8/2011 12:57:43 PM.

Re: What would you do? re: delivering baby options

I have no experience with birth but my BFF just pushed out a 9lb13oz baby no problem. While I think there a larger possibility you could end up with a C/S due to the larger size, I dont think you should do it just because he is predicted to be 9lbs. I personally would still try to go vaginally.

Re: What would you do? re: delivering baby options

This is our issue too. DS is measuring big at just about 9 lbs but his head is the problem, it's very large. I also blame DH because he has a huge head and DD had a huge head too. It's putting so much pressure on my pubic bone from the sono it's not looking like it would be an easy delivery and with my 4th degree hemmerhoids and the absolutely traumatizing birth experience with DD we are doing the c-section.

Re: What would you do? re: delivering baby options

Argh so hard to give good advice because it can go either way. I am inclined to say I would try.

DS was estimated at 8+ and because of that my OB refused to use the suction thing or forceps when I was having trouble pushing. DS came out at 6lbs 13oz. However, sounds like your peri might have more accurate technology, so maybe in your case there is less of a chance that the estimate is off by so much.

My DH and SIL were both over 10lbs (MIL had GD) and she delivered ALL of them vaginally and NATURALLY!

Re: What would you do? re: delivering baby options

One of my girlfriends is 5'4"......her first daughter was 10 pounds, 2 ounces.....her second just a touch under 10 pounds. Both vaginal births.

My other girlfriend who is heavier set and taller couldn't push out a 7 pound baby and ended up with a c-section.

You really never know so you have to stick with your gut and discuss how you feel with your doctor. I don't see why they wouldn't at least let you go into labor and then see how things go. However, every doctor is different.

Re: What would you do? re: delivering baby options

Do you see Kofinas / Pillitteri by any chance?

Re: What would you do? re: delivering baby options

I would personally try to let nature take its course and not go for the scheduled c-section. Those weight estimates can be off by a decent amount and even if it is correct, plenty of people deliver 9lb babies vaginally.

My son was over 8lb, but they said he was close to 10lb by weight estimates. I'm glad I didn't just go for a c-section off those estimates since they were obviously incorrect.

Re: What would you do? re: delivering baby options

Weight estimates via sono can be off by up to a pound. I wouldn't schedule a c-section just because of a "big baby". I would try laboring first. I just know myself, and I would be super angry if I was scared into a c-section because everyone said I was having a big baby and then the kid comes out at like 8 lbs.

Re: What would you do? re: delivering baby options

Re: What would you do? re: delivering baby options

Before I answer your question, I have to ask...why the hell are you doing jumping jacks at 39 weeks? You went from bedrest to calisthenics? LOL

To answer your question as to what *I* would do...

I would find out what your OB's rate of c-section is to begin with. If he/she has a high rate of them, you know your doctor is conservative and takes the path of least resistance. If I thought that was the case, I would hold out until my due date and re-evaluate at that point. If that is not the case, then I would probably follow my doctor's recommendations.

There is nothing wrong with a c-section but just realize that once you make that choice, you are going to have to do the same for your subsequent pregnancies. I know a VBAC is an option but most OB's do not like to do those and I can assure you that if your doctor is a proponent of a c-s to begin with a VBAC will not be an option later on unless you change doctors.

Re: What would you do? re: delivering baby options

Re: What would you do? re: delivering baby options

Re: What would you do? re: delivering baby options

Posted by teaforthree

Posted by FirstMate

Before I answer your question, I have to ask...why the hell are you doing jumping jacks at 39 weeks? You went from bedrest to calisthenics? LOL

To answer your question as to what *I* would do...

I would find out what your OB's rate of c-section is to begin with. If he/she has a high rate of them, you know your doctor is conservative and takes the path of least resistance. If I thought that was the case, I would hold out until my due date and re-evaluate at that point. If that is not the case, then I would probably follow my doctor's recommendations.

There is nothing wrong with a c-section but just realize that once you make that choice, you are going to have to do the same for your subsequent pregnancies. I know a VBAC is an option but most OB's do not like to do those and I can assure you that if your doctor is a proponent of a c-s to begin with a VBAC will not be an option later on unless you change doctors.

First of all... Let me assure you... I am NOT doing jumping jacks at 39 weeks pregnant! I can barely get off the couch! I meant that - BEFORE I got pregnant - I always had to wear a little panty liner when i did jumping jacks. LOL. I can't imagine what would happen after pushing a 9-10 pound kid out!!

How would I find out his rate of c-section? What would be considered "average"? I totally trust him, but also have to weigh in the fact that this is my body and my first time mom experience. I am not opposed to us deciding on a c-section, but I don't exactly get a second bite of the apple with my first pregnancy - especially if I "rush" right into c-section.

At this point, I'm going to call of THIS Saturday's scheduled c-section and re-evaluate with the doctor when I see him Thursday. I'd like to give myself a little more time for things to happen "naturally" first - even if we end up choosing c-section after labor starts. Again - my ONLY rule is that it doesn't end up as an EMERGENCY c-section.

Thanks to all for the advice and help!

Re: What would you do? re: delivering baby options

I think I'm a little odd in the fact that I would prefer a C over going into labor. Mostly because labor and delivery terrifies me. So I would opt for the C if my dr was giving it to me as an option. I think all the other ladies gave you much better advice though!

Re: What would you do? re: delivering baby options

Re: What would you do? re: delivering baby options

I would absolutely go for a vaginal first. I am no doctor of course, but I see no reason to schedule a c-section simply because of estimates of a big baby (when, as many others said, "estimates" can be off by as much as a pound, sometimes more!). If you want to have the opportunity to try laboring and attempting a vaginal birth, I would express that strongly to your OB. It seems like the perinatologist thinks that things are in proportion and that you may be fine having a vaginal birth. From what you have said, it doesn't sound like either doctor sees any potential danger in at least attempting a vaginal. Sounds like your OB just thinks you will likely need a c-section, so he is trying to save you the trouble of going through labor, only to wind up with one. I think you need to make it clear to him that you would like to attempt a vaginal birth if possible. Good luck whatever you decide!

Re: What would you do? re: delivering baby options

Dr. Pilliteri told me my baby was "so huge" at every appointment. When she was born, she was 7.6oz. I'd tell him you want to try for Vaginal.

ETA: He wasn't 'quick to cut' with me, and DD was actually stuck in me. We went through hell to get her out. He seemed very opposed to C-section with me because there was no reason for it.

Message edited 8/8/2011 1:08:16 PM.

Re: What would you do? re: delivering baby options

Re: What would you do? re: delivering baby options

I would attempt a vaginal delivery.. and if the need arises, I'd be open for a c-section. I say this only because, most drs that I know of through friends and family prefer to not do a VBAC after a C. I think mentally, you should be prepared that if you cannot deliver vaginally, you will get a C, and that your chances might be slightly higher than someone with a 6lb baby.

And C sections aren't bad at all either, if that's the route you end up going. Good luck with your decision..

Re: What would you do? re: delivering baby options

Thank you ALL for your input!

BaseballWidow - Thank you for the clarification on Emergency vs. Crash C-Section... I didn't know that!

I have a call into my hospital to try to get c-section rate information. I probably won't be able to get that info until tomorrow because the woman I need to speak to isn't in today.

I spoke to Dr. P... he said that I'm not currently scheduled for a c-section, he'll do whatever I'm comfortable with and we'll talk more when I see him on Thursday. I really do like him!! I think I was initially just not expressing my desire to try to experience some of the labor process.

I'm going to see if we can maybe schedule an INDUCTION that could potentially lead to c-section instead of going right for c-section.

But, either way, unless the baby has other plans, I'm not going in for a planned c-section on Saturday.

Thanks, everyone!

Re: What would you do? re: delivering baby options

I knew it ! He gave me the same shpeel.

On my 1st apt. with him he told me I would have to have a section b/c i have twins and he has pushed for it ever since. He goes through a lists of risks a mile long. But there are also risks (many would say increased) with major surgery also.

I think many doctors push for sections because 1) it is easier for them ..who wants to be woken up at 3am and have to possible wait around for 6-12 hrs to do it naturally. and 2) avoid legal repercussions.

This is a very personal decision, but I will say this. This is what our bodies were MADE for. Giving birth vaginally is natural. There is no denying that the recovery is WAY faster with natural. Vbacs are performed few and far between and have increased dangers.

Don't let ANYONE pressue you into something you are not comfortable with.

There is a reason why we have mommy instincts.