Posting this here because I need support from mom's with delivery experience

Since day 1 DS has been measuring ahead...by 30 weeks it was clear that he is a big baby and the growth sonos thereafter estimate him as such.

Last Friday I had a growth sono that estimated him between 8lbs 9oz and 9lbs 1oz. His belly is measuring the furthest ahead and is 94th percentile.

Since 32 weeks all I hear about is shoulder dystocia from my OBGYN and I've tried to avoid researching it since she said it was on her radar and only something to be aware of.

Today I went to the hospital with contractions on her instruction and with what seemed like an assurance that she would induce....no luck. I was sent home to wait it out.

So I researched...and now my stomach is in knots because she won't discuss c-section with me but it seems like he would suffer if shoulder dystocia really is an issue.

I have an appt on Monday...I think it's time that I demand more information and make her discuss c-section. But right now I am in limbo and so scared...has anyone been in a similar situation.

Regarless of experience...what would you do?

Message edited 3/12/2010 8:55:23 AM.

Re: Posting this here because I need support from mom's with delviery experience

I don't need to reiterate, but you know what I think you should do

Re: Posting this here because I need support from mom's with delviery experience

Well, growth sonos can be off my up to 2 pounds, so I wouldn't necessarily say your DS is right on with that weight.

That said, should dystocia can be serious, but there are a couple of maneuvers that can be done during a vaginal delivery that can help the baby out if dystocia becomes a probelm (ask your OB about the Gaskin maneuver).Dystocia can be present even in babies with a normal birth weight.

Here is an excerpt from an article by ACOG

"Cesarean Delivery. The role of cesarean delivery in suspected fetal macrosomia remains controversial. While the risk of birth trauma with vaginal delivery is higher with increased birth weight, cesarean delivery reduces, but does not eliminate, this risk. In addition, randomized clinical trial results have not shown the clinical effectiveness of prophylactic cesarean delivery when any specific estimated fetal weight is unknown. Results from large cohort and case-control studies reveal that it is safe to allow a trial of labor for estimated fetal weight of more than 4,000 g. Nonetheless, the results of these reports, along with published cost-effectiveness data, do not support prophylactic cesarean delivery for suspected fetal macrosomia with estimated weights of less than 5,000 g (11 lb), although some authors agree that cesarean delivery in these situations should be considered."


ETA: Just found this



Link to article with lots of info Shoulder Dystocia

Message edited 3/11/2010 7:46:08 PM.

Re: Posting this here because I need support from mom's with delviery experience

By Monday she may be recommending a c/s. I would wait until then, and then approach the subject with her.

I know how hard this must be for you Ang!! He's coming, he's not....but you know, they do their own thing!! Soon soon soon and I can't wait to meet !

Re: Posting this here because I need support from mom's with delviery experience

When I was around 37 weeks Ryan was measuring 8lbs 6oz. No one ever mentioned that to me nor did they feel I wouldn't be able to push him out.

I would up with an emergency section but it had nothing to do with his weight. I labored naturally for 20 hours and even pushed for 2. But because my BP was erratic my OB forced a section.

He came out 9lbs 3oz and my labor nurse said they should have given me 20 more minutes I would have had him out no problem.

So, I hope this helps a bit. Hang in there and just discuss your options at your appointment on Monday.

Re: Posting this here because I need support from mom's with delviery experience

Posted by Kidsaplenty

Well, growth sonos can be off my up to 2 pounds, so I wouldn't necessarily say your DS is right on with that weight.

That said, should dystocia can be serious, but there are a couple of maneuvers that can be done during a vaginal delivery that can help the baby out if dystocia becomes a probelm (ask your OB about the Gaskin maneuver).Dystocia can be present even in babies with a normal birth weight.

Here is an excerpt from an article by ACOG

"Cesarean Delivery. The role of cesarean delivery in suspected fetal macrosomia remains controversial. While the risk of birth trauma with vaginal delivery is higher with increased birth weight, cesarean delivery reduces, but does not eliminate, this risk. In addition, randomized clinical trial results have not shown the clinical effectiveness of prophylactic cesarean delivery when any specific estimated fetal weight is unknown. Results from large cohort and case-control studies reveal that it is safe to allow a trial of labor for estimated fetal weight of more than 4,000 g. Nonetheless, the results of these reports, along with published cost-effectiveness data, do not support prophylactic cesarean delivery for suspected fetal macrosomia with estimated weights of less than 5,000 g (11 lb), although some authors agree that cesarean delivery in these situations should be considered."


ETA: Just found this



Link to article with lots of info Shoulder Dystocia

Re: Posting this here because I need support from mom's with delviery experience

Thanks Jess! It does help to hear that. My first son was 8lbs 11oz and delivered vaginally without any problem so I was on course with that thinking even a pound more would be fine...but then my doctor started talking about shoulder dystocia...never even mentioned it with my first child.

Re: Posting this here because I need support from mom's with delviery experience

I have no real advice, just wanted to wish you luck

Re: Posting this here because I need support from mom's with delviery experience

Re: Posting this here because I need support from mom's with delviery experience

No real advice other than to say my SIL dealt with shoulder dystocia with my nephew's birth. She was able to continue the v-birth, and he was fine.

with her 3 subsequent pregnancies, they were watching the size VERY closely:
1- they induced early v-birth (and had way overestimated the weight)
2- they let her go into labor v-birth
3-delivered via scheduled a c-section based on size (he was 8lb15oz)

Message edited 3/11/2010 8:04:10 PM.

Re: Posting this here because I need support from mom's with delviery experience

My doctor had the same fears for me with DS. It is often fine, but it is a risk. At 32 weeks DS was measuring off the charts and by 36 weeks was even further off the charts. His growth did slow in the last 4 weeks gratefully, but the shape/size of my pelvis was also not in my favor. I was monitored very closely and my OB would not let me go past 40w. She also felt that I was not a good candidate for an induction because of his size and lack of progress, never dropping, etc. She thought I would likely wind up with a c/s, and I was terrified of having to have an emergency one. We eventually scheduled a c/s for exactly 40w. That is how I delivered and my OB said it was the right choice. He never dropped low enough because of his broadness and my pelvis wouldn't have been able to handle it. My growth sonos were right on as well - DS was 9lb 10oz. I will now be having a repeat c/s in June.

I would def ask your doctor for more info and all of your options! Best of luck!

Re: Posting this here because I need support from mom's with delviery experience

Message edited 2/24/2022 9:07:47 PM.

Re: Posting this here because I need support from mom's with delviery experience

sending you

Re: Posting this here because I need support from mom's with delviery experience

I had a growth sono the morning that I went into labor with DS and he was measuring 9 lbs 7 oz. They were going to induce me two days later had I not gone on my own. He was born at 8 lbs 7oz. They never mentioned a c-section. Don't stress it.

Re: Posting this here because I need support from mom's with delviery experience

at my 30 week sono i was measuring 33 weeks and they were estimating DS to already be 6lbs at that point. His head was what was measuring big. The techs kept asking me if my dates were right b/c they were figuring my due date at the end of sept and not 10/22. (I had an IUI..so i know what the dates were).
When i saw my dr. she said i might want to consider scheduling a c-section b/c of the size. they were estimating if i carried to 40 weeks i'd have a 10-11lb baby on my hands. She freaked me out that his shoulders may be broad and if they got caught on my pelvis it would be a really bad complication to have.

again at 34 weeks i was measuring 37 weeks. Shortly after my original dr. left the practice and i was under someone else's care. New dr. said old dr. loved to do c-sections if she had an inkling of the baby being big. He didnt think the baby was that big by feeling my belly and that he had no doubt i could deliver normally barring some sort of unforseen complication.

He was right. DS was 7lb 13 oz at birth and i was induced on my due date so i carried to the full 40 weeks.

I pushed for 2 hours and DS big head kept getting caught on my pelvic bone so the dr. needed to do an episiotomy and get the vacuum to get ds out.

In the end all was fine.

(ETA: i was induced b/c i was already 3 cm and mucous plug was gone; the dr. wasnt on call that weekend and friday was all booked at the hospital. B/c i was an IUI patient i was considered High risk and a "premium pregnancy" so they wanted to take all the precautions that they could. So they scheduled me for an induction the following morning. I wound up going into labor on my own at 4am the morning of my induction.)

Message edited 3/11/2010 9:08:11 PM.

Re: Posting this here because I need support from mom's with delviery experience

When I was pregnant with E at my last sono they told me should would be over 10 lbs. I started crying right there bc the thought of having to push a 10 lber out scared the heck out of me! A c-section was never even mentioned to me. I went a week late, was induced and wound up with a C bc I wouldn't dilate more than 3 cm. She wound up being 9.7.

One of my friends recently had a baby and they estimated it around 8lbs. She went a few days late and the baby was 6.11.

If you are concerned, I would definitely bring up your concerns and ask for a C.

Hang in there!! Little (or should I say big! ) G will be here soon!!!!

Re: Posting this here because I need support from mom's with delviery experience

I knew Anthony was going to be a big baby. They were concerned that he would dislocate his shoulder coming out so they did prepare me for a c-section. I ended up with a c-section becaues I wasnt dialating. I would talk to your OB. Tell her your concerns. Try to relax........

Re: Posting this here because I need support from mom's with delviery experience

josh was big, never dropped, dr said he wasn't going to go anywhere.

i would talk to dr.

Re: Posting this here because I need support from mom's with delviery experience

I have no advice since both of my boy's were scheduled c's. The only thing I would say is if you would feel better talking to the doctor about a c-section, call tomorrow and ask your questions then. In your position, I don't know if I could take the anxiety of the uncertainty, if that makes sense. And anxiety is the last thing you need right now.

Re: Posting this here because I need support from mom's with delviery experience

my growth sonos were off. my daughters they said she was 8lbs and when she was born she was 9 13. my son was 9 8 and im not a big person. im 5'2 and was able to deliver big babies. hoping the 3rd isnt as big but wouldnt matter. i did not want a c section becuase heard the recovery is much harder. my second deliver was easier since i knew what to expect and didnt pack on as much weight. i wouldnt worry about the growth sonos as they are always off. i would only do a c section if their is a problem with the baby or the baby is breach. good luck.

Re: Posting this here because I need support from mom's with delviery experience

I never heard of that before

what does it mean???? if there was a chance the baby would be hurt I would do the c/s and I am all for going vaginall---but if there is an issue ----then----

Re: Posting this here because I need support from mom's with delviery experience

Not sure of the term but when my sister delievered my neice her shoulders got stuck and the baby had damage to her nerves in her shoulder from the delivery. She had physical therapy and luckily no permenant damage. In the future my sister will probalby have c-sections. My neiece was somewhere in the 8lb range

Re: Posting this here because I need support from mom's with delviery experience

I think you should step on toes, i just would feel bad hurting the baby if it could be avoided. I hope it all goes well with you!

Re: Posting this here because I need support from mom's with delviery experience

I would bring up the topic of c-section on Monday. I'm sure everything will be fine and you are in good hands, but definitely have the conversation.

Re: Posting this here because I need support from mom's with delviery experience

My OB brought up shoulder dystocia as well, b/c DS was measuring big. I was never as nervous as I should have been I think. However, quite the opposite of the other stories, she was preparing me to know that if she thought the baby was too big, I would have to have a C-Section. At my last growth sono, they measured DS at 8 lbs, 14 oz, and was told I would need to be induced b/c my fluid was low. Before my OB came on shift, a message was sent to me from her, through a resident, that I could elect to have a C-Section. I said no. When my doctor came in, she gave me the guidelines of how I would have to progress in order for her not to do the C. She did precautionary things to avoid shoulder dystocia - episiotomy, and a special way of holding up my legs, and I delivered DS just fine. And he was exactly 8 lbs, 14 oz.